TWO women have died after a BMW which was being chased by police ploughed into a care home.
Residents of a care home, aged in their 80s and 90s, sadly lost their lives after a car crashed into Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, at approximately 9.40pm on Wednesday.
Eight additional individuals were transported to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening in the aftermath of the terrible accident, while two men, both 21 years old, were taken into custody.
Police today confirmed that two care home residents – a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s – died yesterday.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall of Northumbria Police stated, “This is an incredibly tragic event, and our heartfelt thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of everyone impacted.”
“We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time.
“Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community.”
The blue BMW was being pursued by officers on the A1231 in Sunderland when it crashed into the home, which cares for dementia sufferers.
It followed reports of a car being stolen in Newcastle around 20 minutes before the crash.
After a short pursuit, the BMW struck the Highcliffe Care Home.
Pictures revealed a gaping hole in the side of the nursing home – which cares for around 60 residents.
Upturned furniture could be seen among shattered bricks and broken glass inside while rubble also littered the ground outside the home.
Police say the next of kin of both women have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
Investigators will now also attempt to determine whether the crash “contributed” to the deaths of both women.
Two 21-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
Both have now been further arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remain in police custody at this time.
Of the eight other residents who were rushed to hospital in the aftermath, all but one has since been discharged.
A huge emergency presence flooded the scene late on Wednesday, with North East Ambulance Service, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and Northumbria Police all in attendance.
CARE HOME ‘DEEPLY SADDENED’ BY LOSS
Care bosses said they were “deeply saddened” after the loss of the two elderly residents following the crash.
A spokesperson for Avery Healthcare, which runs the home, said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident at our home in Sunderland and our thoughts are with all those affected.
“We are committed to supporting our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are immensely grateful for the compassion and professionalism our teams have shown and continue to show.
“As this remains part of an active police investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
Following the police pursuit, the case has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
