Investigations are under way after a crash in Gateshead in the early hours left a 13-year-old boy dead and a 14-year-old in hospital.
What happened
Police say a Toyota Kluger, reported to have been stolen, left Willow Road and overturned into a paddock shortly before 3.00am on Monday. Emergency services attended and one passenger, a 13-year-old boy, suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Investigations are under way"
A 14-year-old boy was taken to the John Hunter Hospital with leg injuries and was described by police as being in a stable condition. He remains at the hospital under police guard while inquiries continue.
Arrests and police action
Two people left the scene immediately after the crash; subsequently, a 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were arrested and taken to the John Hunter under police guard. A report is being prepared for the coroner.
- Vehicle: Toyota Kluger (reported stolen)
- Time of incident: Just before 3.00am
- Fatality: 13-year-old boy (died at scene)
- Injured: 14-year-old boy (stable, leg injuries)
- Arrests: 14-year-old boy and 18-year-old man
Context and next steps
Police inquiries are continuing. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. The matter will be the subject of a coroner's report, which is standard following a death in such circumstances.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Willow Road, Gateshead |
| Vehicle | Toyota Kluger (reported stolen) |
| Injuries / Fatality | 13-year-old died; 14-year-old hospitalised (stable) |
| Custody | 14-year-old and 18-year-old arrested |
Further official updates will be required to establish the full circumstances leading to the crash, including how the vehicle came to be reported as stolen and the reasons for the two people leaving the scene. Anyone with relevant information has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers to assist the ongoing investigation.
