Three teenagers died and a fourth was arrested after a car plunged into the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland on Wednesday afternoon. The vehicle, a black Audi A3, left the road at around 1:30 p.m. and entered the water, according to Northumbria Police.

Emergency services including the police, coastguard, RNLI, fire service, and North East Ambulance Service conducted an extensive search lasting several hours. The bodies of two teenage boys and one teenage girl were recovered from the river. A 17-year-old male passenger escaped from the vehicle and was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. He has been arrested and remains in police custody as an investigation into the circumstances of the incident continues.

Authorities have confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Police cordoned off the area near the riverbank as rescue boats surveyed the water, and emergency vehicles including ambulances, fire engines, and police cars were present at the scene.

Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, the area commander for Sunderland, described the incident as “truly tragic” and extended condolences to the families and communities affected. He also expressed gratitude toward the multi-agency teams involved in the search and recovery efforts. Officials have informed the next of kin of the three deceased teenagers and are providing ongoing support.

Witnesses near the scene reported hearing a loud bang and a splash, with one local saying the crash was an unprecedented event for the area. Police have urged the public to refrain from speculation as they work to determine the cause of the crash. The investigation remains in the early stages.