Northumbria Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a pedestrian tragically died in a collision involving an ambulance on the A19 near Sunderland early on Sunday morning.

Police officers are appealing to the public for information after a pedestrian sadly died following a collision near Sunderland involving an ambulance.

Shortly after 2am on Sunday, November 15, police received a report of a one-vehicle collision on the A19 between the junctions for the A1018 and A690.

It was reported that an ambulance transporting a patient along the northbound carriageway and not travelling on blue lights has struck a pedestrian in the road.

Emergency services attended and the pedestrian – a man aged in his 30s – sadly passed away at the scene.

The man’s next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported.

The occupants of the ambulance did not sustain injuries and the driver – a man in his 40s – remained at the scene to assist officers with their enquiries.

The road was closed for a number of hours in both directions and has since reopened.

A total of 17 people have been arrested since the disorder at Meadow Well.

placeholder image — A total of 17 people have been arrested since the disorder at Meadow Well.

Officers from Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit have launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision – and are today appealing for witnesses to come forward.

They are especially keen to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident itself, or the moments leading up to the collision

Sergeant Ben Rutherford, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts are firmly with the family and loved ones of the man who has tragically died following this collision.

“We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this incredibly difficult time.”

Sergeant Rutherford added: “We have already conducted a number of enquiries as part of our investigation, and are keen for anyone with information to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from those who may have seen or have footage of the events leading up to the collision.

NEAS has been awarded Gold in the 2026 TIDE benchmarking framework.

“Any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – could prove key to our investigation and help provide answers for the man’s loved ones.”

Those with information or dashcam footage should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat or report forms on the Force’s website.

Witnesses are asked to quote reference: NP-20261115-0086.

North East Ambulance Service Statement

A spokesperson from the North East Ambulance Service said: “Around 2am this morning, one of our ambulance crews was involved in a road traffic incident with a pedestrian on the A19 northbound, while transporting a patient and their partner to a nearby hospital.

“We dispatched a number of resources to the scene. The patient on board and their partner were transferred to another ambulance and taken to hospital for further treatment.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews attending, the patient injured as the result of the collision passed away at the scene.

“This is a hugely tragic incident for all involved.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient's loved ones.

“We will now, of course, be working closely with the police to support their investigation.”