Seven police officers were hospitalised following a catastrophic police chase that resulted in a multi-vehicle collision on the A1 near Denton, Newcastle, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. At approximately 2.30am, officers attempted to intervene in the reckless driving of a dark grey BMW M Sport, only for the situation to escalate dramatically as five police vehicles became involved in a subsequent high-speed pile-up.
The police chase began when local officers in Gateshead attempted to stop the BMW amidst concerns regarding its driving. After the car fled, a pursuit was initiated shortly before the crash occurred just minutes later. The incident quickly devolved into chaos, leaving a significant section of the A1 unable to operate for over 12 hours, creating major traffic disruptions.
Images from the scene depict a scene of devastation, with several police cars severely damaged, one marked vehicle stripped of its roof and doors, while another unmarked car was overturned against the central reservation. A police expert commented on the situation, suggesting that the collision might have stemmed from a failed attempt to box in the BMW, or that one police vehicle may have been rammed in the confrontation. The expert remarked, "If someone is not dead in this melee, they’re exceptionally lucky. Something has gone horribly wrong."
Seven officers were transported to the hospital, with four of them subsequently discharged, while the remaining officers received treatment—one for a leg injury and others under observation. The two individuals in the BMW, both in their 20s, were not reported to have sustained any injuries. Following the incident, a man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and a woman was taken into custody on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. Both remain in custody as investigations are ongoing.
Locals in the area expressed their shock at the incident, with one resident describing the scene as "absolute carnage," having been roused by the sounds of police helicopters circling overhead. Residents noted the rarity of such a significant incident since the infamous Raoul Moat manhunt in 2010, which also took place in the vicinity.
Investigative teams, including specialist police dogs, spent the day examining the site, carefully looking for evidence amidst the debris and chaos. The North East Ambulance Service confirmed that they dispatched multiple crews, including a specialist paramedic and two Hazardous Area Response Teams, to the crash scene.
Superintendent Michelle Caisley of Northumbria Police expressed wishes for a full recovery for the injured officers and acknowledged the cooperation of colleagues from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the ambulance service in managing the incident. Caisley emphasised the importance of a thorough investigation, advising against speculation that could hinder their inquiries.
National Highways stated that diversions were in place due to the closure of the A1 in both directions from Junction 73 at Swalwell to Junction 75 at Denton. The situation on the roadway remained complicated, as the region's heavy traffic patterns continued to cause delays throughout the day following the incident.
As investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision, the A1 was fully reopened by approximately 3pm, allowing traffic to resume during a peak holiday period.
Source: Noah Wire Services