Three teens killed after their car plunged into ‘foggy’ River Wear

| Night News Editor Published September 29, 2026 6:57pm Updated September 29, 2026 8:00pm A huge emergency response has been sparked after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland. (Picture: NCJ MEDIA) Three teenagers have died after their car plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland. The 17-year-old driver managed to swim to safety but two teenage boys and a girl were trapped inside at 1.30pm today. Members of the public reported the car swerving off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and landing in the water. The driver of the black Audi A3 is currently in hospital with non-serious injuries. Three bodies have since been recovered. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Divers from the RNLI were seen on speedboats trying to locate the victims, hampered by clouds of fog that had descended on the river. A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: ‘An investigation is under way into the circumstances of what happened. At this early stage no other vehicles are believed to have been involved. ‘The boy who reached safety has subsequently been arrested in connection with the incident. ‘He remains in police custody at this time.’ A 17-year-old boy believed to be the driver managed to get out of the Audi (Picture: NCJ MEDIA) Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said: ‘This is a truly tragic incident where three young people have lost their lives. ‘Our thoughts are with their families, friends and all those impacted by what has happened. ‘We will continue to support them in any way that we can and ask that their privacy is respected at this time. ‘I want to thank all of our partners who supported the multi-agency search efforts. ‘Our investigation is at a very early stage in establishing the circumstances surrounding what has happened.’ Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area, with the response to the incident remaining ongoing at this time. Boats have been seen on the water with many emergency crews parked near Panns Bank. An air ambulance landed nearby, while lifeboat volunteers have been seen scouring the river on boats. A police cordon is in place which has been extended, with the public being urged to avoid the area and not livestream from the scene. Arrow MORE: Young woman killed when her Fiat 500 ploughed into tree Arrow MORE: Reporter covering boy fatally crushed by car captures moment girl sent flying in an e-scooter crash Arrow MORE: At least 13 killed after plane crashes in emergency landing near homes News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.