Two police officers and five teenagers died in a wrong-way crash on the A66 dual carriageway in Teesside, according to Cleveland Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The fatal collision occurred early on Saturday when a Volkswagen Passat traveling against traffic struck a marked armed response vehicle carrying Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough.
Fatal Collision Details on the A66
The incident began when Cleveland Police received intelligence regarding numerous incidents linked to a Volkswagen Passat, according to the IOPC. An automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera activated when the vehicle, believed to be using cloned plates, was spotted. An armed response vehicle initiated a pursuit that lasted just under seven minutes.
During the chase, the Passat drove onto the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic. Officers aborted the pursuit and continued traveling on the correct side of the carriageway, according to the watchdog. Roughly 10 seconds after the chase ceased, the Passat crashed into the police vehicle carrying Pc Blades, 37, and Pc Clough, 38. Both officers and the five males inside the Volkswagen—identified by authorities as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, and Jacob Matusiak, 23—were pronounced dead at the scene.
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The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed that Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area specifically to assist with the search for the Passat.
Tributes Paid to Fallen Cleveland Police Officers
Families of the fallen officers released statements through Cleveland Police honoring their service and memory. Pc Blades’ wife described him as her best friend and a devoted father to their two young boys. In a statement issued by the force, she said he gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication, and selflessness.
Pc Clough’s family similarly remembered him as a hero with a fantastic sense of humor who jumped into action whenever needed. According to their statement, he proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place and was always on public duty throughout his short life. His family and partner also expressed sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues, and the wider community.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In the wake of the tragedy, fundraising campaigns were launched to support the families of Pc Blades and Pc Clough. Cleveland Police Federation organized a fundraiser that raised more than £92,000 out of its £100,000 target by Sunday evening. According to organizers, the money is to be split equally between the families to use as they wish while navigating the traumatic time. A second crowdfunder also raised more than £12,500 toward a £20,000 target for the officers’ families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was involved in the A66 crash?
The crash involved a Volkswagen Passat carrying five occupants and a marked Cleveland Police vehicle carrying two armed response officers, Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Clough. All seven individuals died.
Were the police actively pursuing the vehicle at the moment of impact?
No. According to the IOPC, officers aborted the pursuit approximately 10 seconds before the Volkswagen crashed into the police vehicle while driving the wrong way down the A66.
Which agency is investigating the incident?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
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