The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation after multiple people died in a collision involving a Cleveland Police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 near Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire.
The crash happened at about 3:39 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, in the South Bank area following a police pursuit.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with the North East Ambulance Service deploying 14 units, including specialist paramedics, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Despite efforts by emergency responders, several people were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston to allow investigators and collision-reconstruction specialists to examine the scene. The closure was expected to remain in place for much of the day.
Cleveland Police made a mandatory referral to the IOPC following the incident, prompting the watchdog to open an independent investigation at about 6:03 a.m.
According to the IOPC, officers had spotted a vehicle they considered suspicious before a pursuit began. The pursuit continued onto the A66 before the collision occurred.
IOPC Director of Investigations Nicola Marfleet said the investigation would focus on establishing the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected,” Marfleet said. “Our role is to establish and examine the circumstances of what happened; this work is already underway, and Cleveland Police is cooperating with our enquiries.”
The investigation will examine the circumstances of the police pursuit and events leading up to the fatal collision.
Cleveland Police said officers were working to formally identify those who died and notify their next of kin.
The force also appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation, particularly on social media, while forensic and investigative work continues.
Local MP Anna Turley expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and praised emergency service personnel who responded to the crash during the early hours.
The A66 closure and investigation are expected to cause disruption in the area as authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.