Multiple people have died after a collision involving a police vehicle and a car on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, Cleveland Police said on Saturday.
The crash happened at about 03:39 BST and involved a police van and a Volkswagen Passat. The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said 14 ambulance resources were dispatched to the scene and that "a number of patients died at the scene" despite the efforts of emergency crews.
Emergency response and road closure
Police confirmed the collision resulted in multiple fatalities. Officers are working to identify those who died and to inform next of kin. The A66 — the main east–west route through Teesside — was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane and is expected to remain shut for the rest of the day, with motorists urged to use alternative routes.
- Location: A66, South Bank (near Middlesbrough)
- Time: about 03:39 BST
- Vehicles involved: police vehicle and Volkswagen Passat
- Emergency response: 14 ambulance resources plus significant police presence
- Road status: closed in both directions (Normanby Road to Church Lane)
"Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. We are working to identify the victims and contact their families."
Images from the scene showed a police van and a car at the eastern side of the carriageway with emergency lights flashing and officers present. Cleveland Police said substantial numbers of emergency service vehicles remained at the scene as investigations continued.
Statements and local reaction
The North East Ambulance Service expressed condolences and paid tribute to the crews who attended. It said: "Despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene." The service added it was grateful to those who assisted.
Anna Turley, the MP for Redcar, said she was "deeply saddened" by the news and extended her thoughts to the families and communities affected. Local residents and road users were warned of ongoing disruption while police forensic and collision investigation teams work to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigation and wider implications
Cleveland Police described the incident as a "quickly evolving" situation and asked the public to avoid speculation while inquiries continue. When a police vehicle is involved in a crash that results in fatalities, forces typically review whether officers were responding to an emergency at the time and whether blue‑light procedures were in place; Cleveland Police said it would provide further detail as it becomes available.
Given the A66's role as a principal route carrying local and long‑distance traffic through Teesside — running past industrial units and factories close to the collision site — the closure is likely to cause significant disruption for commuters and freight for the remainder of the day.
| Detail | Information provided |
|---|---|
| Time of collision | 03:39 BST |
| Location | A66, South Bank (near Middlesbrough) |
| Vehicles | Police vehicle and Volkswagen Passat |
| Ambulance resources | 14 |
| Road status | Closed both directions (Normanby Road to Church Lane) |
Authorities will carry out forensic examinations and collision reconstruction, and have appealed for anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Cleveland Police. The force also urged those travelling in the area to follow diversion signs and avoid the scene to allow emergency workers to continue their enquiries.
Further updates are expected as officers establish the sequence of events and identify the victims. For now, the immediate priority for emergency services remains treatment of any survivors, supporting bereaved families and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.
