Six people have died and another is in a critical condition in hospital following a serious collision in Birmingham in the early hours of this morning (Sunday 17th December).
Two cars and a black cab were involved in the accident which happened just after 1am at the entrance to the underpass on Lee Bank Middleway which passes under the junction with the A38 Bristol Road.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said that the driver of the ‘black cab’ – which was on its side – was confirmed dead at the scene. His passengers – a man and a woman – were quickly removed from the cab but sadly, the woman was also confirmed dead on scene. The man was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) by paramedics supported by the MERIT trauma doctor but unfortunately died at the hospital.
Four men were ejected from another car, with three sadly being confirmed dead at the scene. The fourth man remains in a critical condition in hospital today, after being taken to the QEHB with with the Critical Care Car doctor travelling with the ambulance crew.
A man and a woman in a third car were taken to Heartlands Hospital for checks after escaping serious injury, despite their car suffering extensive damage.
This morning, police confirmed that: “Despite the best efforts of emergency service colleagues, five people were sadly confirmed dead at the scene and a further person was later pronounced dead.”
WMAS confirmed that there were three other cars involved with none of the occupants being seriously hurt: a man and woman from one car were taken to Heartlands for checks and one man from one of the other cars was checked over at the scene by paramedics.
‘Very serious collision’
Sgt Alan Hands from West Midlands Police’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “We are currently dealing with a very serious collision and working with partner agencies to establish what caused this collision to happen.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the families of those who have very sadly lost their lives this morning and those who have been injured or caught up in this incident.”
Road closed and witnesses sought
The road is likely to remain closed for most of today and police as motorists to avoid the area.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or events just prior to it West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log 175 of 17 December or email fl_collision_invest@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
Support for first responders
All emergency services attended the accident, working in what police described as “very difficult and upsetting circumstances”.
The WMAS spokesman said: “This was an extremely complex and distressing crash scene that required excellent multi-agency teamwork.
“The ambulance service has already debriefed all of the staff involved and will be providing on-going support as required due to the nature of the incident.”
Our thoughts go out to all who knew those who lost their lives and those injured in this tragic accident, the emergency service personnel attending and anyone who witnessed it. RIP