A collision between a police car and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, has resulted in multiple fatalities in the early hours of Saturday morning. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation following a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. The A66 remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston.
The incident occurred at approximately 3.39am on Saturday when officers from Cleveland Police spotted a suspicious vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle subsequently travelled onto the A66, where it collided with a marked police car at the same time.
"Around 3.39am this morning, a collision took place involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank," a Cleveland Police spokesperson said. "Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene and the road will remain closed for some time."
According to reports of the incident, the IOPC investigation was formally opened just after 6am on Saturday following the force's mandatory referral. IOPC director of investigations Nicola Marfleet confirmed that investigators had been dispatched to review evidence and that the watchdog was working alongside Cleveland Police to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
Emergency response and scene management
North East Ambulance Service responded to the two-vehicle crash by deploying 14 units to the scene, including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team, and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance Service. A spokesperson for the service stated:
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene. We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help."
At the scene, a large white tent had reportedly been erected over the collision site, with police officers stationed at both ends of the cordon to manage access and preserve evidence. The road closure is expected to remain in place for a considerable period as investigations continue.
What do authorities know so far?
Police have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities resulting from the collision. Officers are continuing to work on identifying the victims and notifying their families. The incident was described by police as
"quickly evolving"as emergency services gathered information at the scene.
The circumstances that led to the initial pursuit remain under investigation. The IOPC, which oversees police conduct and investigates incidents where police vehicles are involved in collisions resulting in injury or death, is leading the inquiry into how the pursuit developed and the factors that contributed to the final collision on the A66.
Local response and community impact
Anna Turley, Member of Parliament for the Redcar constituency where the crash occurred, expressed her condolences to those affected.
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatal collision on the A66 this morning. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this terrible incident. Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident. We would ask everyone to avoid speculating online to respect the families and the police while they do their work at this terrible time."
The A66 has experienced a history of serious collisions in the Teesside area. In August 2025, a crash near Cargo Fleet Lane on the same route resulted in two people being injured, highlighting the road's vulnerability to significant traffic incidents.
What happens next?
The IOPC investigation will continue with investigators reviewing evidence and collaborating with Cleveland Police to establish the complete circumstances of the collision. The road closure will remain in effect until investigators have completed their work at the scene and gathered all necessary evidence. Further updates on the number of fatalities and the identities of those involved are expected as the investigation progresses and families are notified.
Key facts
- A collision between a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat occurred on the A66 in South Bank at 3.39am on Saturday morning, resulting in multiple deaths
- The incident followed a police pursuit initiated after officers spotted a suspicious vehicle
- The IOPC launched an investigation following a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police, with the inquiry formally opened just after 6am
- North East Ambulance Service deployed 14 units to the scene, though multiple patients died despite emergency efforts
- The A66 remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston
