A 17-year-old boy has been taken into custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a car plunged into the River Wear, killing three teenagers.
Northumbria Police provided an update following a lengthy effort to recover a black Audi A3 from the river in Sunderland’s city center.
The force said four people were in the hatchback when it was believed to have crashed through a barrier and into the sea at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, at 1.30pm Tuesday.
A 17-year-old made it to safety and was originally treated in a hospital.
The bodies of two adolescent males and a girl were pulled from the sea.
On Wednesday, Northumbria Police confirmed that the 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death through careless driving.
Investigations were ongoing to determine who was driving at the time.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, Sunderland’s area commander, said: “Our sympathies are with the families of those who have tragically died.
“We will support them in any way we can during this difficult time, and we ask that their privacy be respected.
“We also recognize the impact this tragedy will have on the wider community, and know that everyone will come together to support one another.”
He added, “The investigation into the circumstances that led to the car entering the water is still ongoing.”
“We would continue to ask the public not to speculate on the occurrence, both on social media and in the neighborhood.
“In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.”
The procedure to recover the automobile involves police divers entering the river and connecting a harness to the black hatchback before lifting it out using a crane.
Shortly after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the automobile began to emerge from the river, upside down and with damage to its front bumper and windshield.
A large police cordon was established around the location.
Water cascaded off the Audi while it was held in midair during the retrieval, which occurred at low tide.
Just under 24 hours after entering the river, the automobile was brought back to dry land and placed on its roof.
The operation drew crowds to the riverbank downstream of the Wearmouth Bridge.
Earlier, individuals threw bouquets of flowers into the Wear near the spot.
Last week, police chiefs issued a warning that over 23,000 people had been killed or seriously injured in accidents involving drivers aged 17 to 24 in the previous five years.
According to Department of Transport data from 2021 to 2025, there were 7,500 incidents involving drivers in that age range, 4,000 passengers being driven by a young driver, and 11,600 other road users, including pedestrians and persons in other automobiles.
Young drivers, defined as those aged 17 to 24, account for approximately one-fifth of all traffic accidents resulting in death or serious injury.
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