Teenager hit by a car on Wessington Way is fighting for her life after being airlifted to the RVI

The emergency services were called to the A1231 Wessington Way just after 4.30pm today, Wednesday, February 19, following a report of a crash involving a pedestrian and a car.

The North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police was joined by a helicopter from the Great North Air Ambulance at the scene, with its crew landing on the closed off road as its team offered support.

The ambulance service said the girl was left with multiple serious injuries, with the patient airlifted to hospital from the incident.

It sent a double-crewed ambulance, a specialist paramedic, two rapid response paramedics, two of its hazardous area response teams (Hart) and requested the support of the air ambulance.

Traffic in the area was diverted as police shut off the route to motorists in the area, with delays throughout the area as rush hour hit.

Following the crash motorists were left in jams throughout the area as the scene was cleared and inquiries got underway by collision investigators.

People have been warned of further closures tonight until midnight or later to allow investigations to be carried out.

This will include the A1231 eastbound between the Colima Ave Roundabout and Castletown Way, eastbound and westbound on the A1290 from the Queen Alexandra Bridge and Castletown Way, with traffic to only be allowed to turn left off the Northern Spire Bridge.

North East Traffic Live said the road remained closed while the scene was cleared and investigation work was carried out.

Now police investigating the incident have urged anyone who saw what happened to get in touch.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 4.36pm we received a report of a collision between a car and a young female pedestrian at Wessington Way, Sunderland, near Sainsbury's.

“She was transported by air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where she is being treated for potentially life-threatening injuries.

“We are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to assist by calling 101 quoting log 770 19/02/20.”