A 17-year-old boy was arrested after reaching safety; two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the water, police said.
Three teenagers died after a black Audi A3 entered the River Wear in Sunderland, police said. A 17-year-old boy reached safety, was arrested and is in hospital with non-serious injuries. Police said the investigation is at an early stage and asked the public not to speculate.
Three teenagers have died and a 17-year-old boy has been arrested after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland, police said.
Northumbria Police said officers received reports that a black Audi A3 had come off the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, and entered the water at about 1.30pm. Four people were in the car.
Following a search, the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the river. The 17-year-old boy reached safety and was arrested in connection with the incident. He is in hospital with non-serious injuries, police said.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, area commander for Sunderland, described the incident as “truly tragic” and said the thoughts of police were with the victims’ families, friends and everyone affected.
He said the investigation was at a “very early stage” and asked members of the public not to speculate.
Police, ambulance, RNLI, Coastguard, fire and rescue teams took part in a search lasting several hours. The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent two fire engines and a fire boat to assist.
The next of kin of the three teenagers who died have been informed and are being supported by officers.
