A MAN has died following a major accident on the A66.

The road was closed in both directions close to the Long Newton turn off following the collision. 

The westbound carriageway is now open at Long Newton

The Northern Echo:

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Police are appealing for witnesses after a man sadly died following a collision today.

"Officers were called to a report of a collision involving two vehicles on the A66 eastbound at around 1pm today, close to the Long Newton turn off.

"The collision involved a white Audi A3 and a blue BMW. The male passenger from the blue BMW, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"Our thoughts remain with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.

"The 27-year-old male driver of the same vehicle has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences and currently remains in custody."

The Northern Echo:

Motorists are being advised to use alternative routes and avoid the area where possible.

The Great North Air Ambulance was also in attendance, according to witnesses.

The Northern Echo: Queues on the A66 near Long Newton following a serious accidentQueues on the A66 near Long Newton following a serious accident

A spokeswoman for the North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 1.02pm to a road traffic collision involving two cars on the A66 at Long Newton, near Stockton.

"We dispatched two double crewed vehicles and a clinical care manager and received assistance from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

"All patients were transported to hospital by road. One went to the University Hospital of North Tees, and two went to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough."

The Northern Echo:

Westbound traffic is being diverted at Long Newton and eastbound traffic is being diverted at Sadberge. 

The spokesperson added: "The A66 is currently closed in both directions following a serious collision close to the Long Newton turn off." 

"Please use alternative routes and avoid the area where possible."

  • Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone who may have dash cam footage which could assist the investigation is asked to contact PC Martin Tranmer from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 140624.