Multiple fatalities after police vehicle and car collide on A66 in South Bank
Cleveland Police confirm multiple deaths after a collision involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank on Saturday, August 22.
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Revision history
- Version 222 Aug 2026, 11:23current
Updated to reflect the latest information from Cleveland Police and other agencies, including the time of the collision and the ongoing investigation.
- Version 122 Aug 2026, 09:19
First published.
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