Six people have died and a seventh is critically injured following an extremely serious multi-vehicle collision in Birmingham in the early hours of this morning (17/12).
Emergency services were called to the tunnel which runs between Lee Bank Middleway and Belgrave Middleway, at around 1:11AM, to reports of a collision.
On arrival, crews found six vehicles, including a taxi that had been in a collision with extensive consequences.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “In the first car there were a man and a woman. The vehicle had suffered very extensive damage but astonishingly, despite the damage, the pair had managed to get out and had suffered relatively minor injuries. They were taken to Heartlands Hospital by ambulance for further assessment.
“The second vehicle, a ‘black cab’ was on its side. Sadly, there was nothing that could be done to save the driver and he was confirmed dead at the scene. The man and woman in the back were rapidly extricated. Unfortunately, it was not possible to save the woman and she was also confirmed dead at the scene. The man was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT trauma doctor travelling with the crew. Sadly, he died at hospital.
“There were four men from the third car. All had been ejected. Tragically, three of them were confirmed dead at the scene. The fourth was also taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the Critical Care Car doctor travelling with the crew. He was said to be in a critical condition on arrival.
“There were three further cars involved in the crash which had tried to avoid the crash scene.
“Ambulance staff did not see anyone from the first vehicle.
“A man and a woman from the second vehicle suffered minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to Heartlands Hospital for further assessment.
“There were two men in the third vehicle. One was discharged on scene after assessment; the other said he didn’t require any assistance.
“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.”
Lee Bank Middleway and Belgrave Middleway is expected to be closed for most of the day due to the severity of the incident. Motorists are advised to AVOID the area!
Witnesses are urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 if they have ANY information that may help the ongoing investigation.
Our thoughts go out to everyone involved and their families, and the emergency services on the scene.
