A man has died after being hit by an ambulance that was en route to hospital with a patient.
The ambulance was on the A19 near Sunderland without its blue lights when it struck the man in his 30s as he walked down the road at 2am this morning.
He died at the scene and his next of kin has been informed
No one in the ambulance was injured and the driver, a man in his 40s, stayed at the scene to assist police with inquiries.
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.
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The North East Ambulance Service confirmed the man’s death and said the patient inside the vehicle was being transported to a nearby hospital with their partner.
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.
‘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.’
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