Man dies after being struck by ambulance transporting patient

Published: 07:11 EST, 15 November 2026 | Updated: 07:39 EST, 15 November 2026 A man has died after being hit by an ambulance transporting a patient to hospital near Sunderland, police said.The ambulance was travelling north on the A19 without its blue lights on when it hit the man in his 30s as he walked down the road shortly after 2am this morning.He tragically died at the scene. His next of kin has been informed by police.No one in the ambulance was injured and the driver, a man in his 40s, remained at the scene between the junctions for the A1018 and A690 to assist police with inquiries, the force said.Officers from Northumbria Police's roads policing unit have launched an investigation and are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.The North East Ambulance Service released a statement confirming the man's death and said that the patient inside the vehicle had been being transported with their partner to a nearby hospital.A spokesperson said: 'We dispatched a number of resources to the scene. The patient on board and their partner were transferred to another ambulance and taken to hospital for further treatment.'Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews attending, the patient injured as the result of the collision passed away at the scene. A man in his 30s has died after being hit by an ambulance on the A19 transporting a patient to hospital near Sunderland'This is a hugely tragic incident for all involved. Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient's loved ones.'We will now, of course, be working closely with the police to support their investigation.'Northumbria Police's Sergeant Ben Rutherford said: 'Our thoughts are firmly with the family and loved ones of the man who has tragically died following this collision.'We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this incredibly difficult time.'He added: 'We have already conducted a number of enquiries as part of our investigation, and are keen for anyone with information to come forward.'We are particularly keen to hear from those who may have seen or have footage of the events leading up to the collision.'Any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – could prove key to our investigation and help provide answers for the man's loved ones.'Those with information can contact Northumbria Police via social media or use the live chat or report forms on their website. They are asked to quote reference: NP-20261115-0086.This is a breaking new story. More to follow...