A FATAL crash on the A68 has left one man dead and a woman in critical condition.

The crash, which was reported before 1pm on Sunday, October 1, involved a white Seat and a blue Kia on the A68 near Bingfield.

Officers and emergency services attended the scene and the driver of the Kia, a 69-year-old man, and one of his passengers, a woman aged 25, were taken to hospital by air ambulance with critical injuries.

The man died as a result of his injuries on Tuesday afternoon (October 3) and the 25-year-old woman is still in critical condition.

His next of kin are currently being supported by specialist officers.

Three people remain in hospital.

A woman, aged 58, and a four-year-old girl, who were also passengers in the car, were taken to hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The 23-year-old male driver of the Seat was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The road was closed for approximately six hours while emergency services attended and the vehicles were recovered. 

An investigation was launched by officers from Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols department and police asked anyone who might have been driving in the area and have dashcam footage, or who might have seen either vehicle, to contact them.

Sergeant Russ Surrey, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly serious collision which has now resulted in one person losing their life, and left another person in a critical condition.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the 69-year-old man as they attempt to come to terms with their loss. We would ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

“We are committed to establishing exactly what happened and would appeal for any witnesses who have not yet come forward to please contact police.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant you fear it may be, could massively assist this investigation and help to provide answers for a grieving family.

“We are determined to establish exactly what happened in the moments prior to the collision, so please get in touch if you can help.”

Members of the public can call 101 or use the ‘Tell us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website quoting log NP-20231001-0506.