A teenage girl has died and a 19-year-old man is fighting for his life after a fiery crash in Sunderland.
Police were called to the A19 northbound carriageway between Seaham and the Herrington Interchange at Sunderland last night just after 11pm after reports of an accident.
The 17-year-old girl is reported to have been a passenger in the yellow Vauxhall Corsa which was driven by a 19-year-old man.
Police said the Corsa had left the carriageway and become involved in a collision before catching fire.
The fire was extinguished shortly after, but the teenage girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver was rushed to hospital and remains in a critical condition. Police confirmed the next of kin of both teenagers have been informed.
Northumbria Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward and help their investigation.
Sergeant John Sanderson, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: ‘Firstly, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the teenager who has tragically passed away.
The A19 where a crash involving a 17-year-old girl and a 19-year-old man happened last night
‘We will offer them all of the support we can.
‘A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is under way and a number of enquiries have already been carried out.
‘I would ask anyone with information regarding what took place – particularly those with dashcam footage of the moments leading up to the collision – to contact us so that we can get a complete picture of last night’s incident.’
A section of the carriageway was closed overnight between the B1404 junction and the A690 Herrington Interchange, but reopened just before 10am this morning.
Motorists faced long delays and diversions as the scene was cleared.
Witnesses are asked to contact Northumbria Police on social media or use the live chat or report forms on the Force’s website.
For those unable to make contact via those ways, they should call 101 and quote the reference number NP-20251124-1157.
