Care Home Crash Claims Lives of Two Elderly Women in Sunderland
A quiet evening turned tragic in Sunderland after a devastating car crash into a local care home resulted in the deaths of two elderly residents.
Late Wednesday night, a BMW collided with Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, prompting the urgent evacuation of all residents. The impact caused major structural damage to the building, leaving staff and emergency services scrambling to respond.
Northumbria Police delivered the heartbreaking update on Friday morning: “Sadly, two care home residents – a woman in her nineties and a woman in her eighties – passed away yesterday.
The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers. Following this sad update, the investigation will now also consider whether the collision contributed to their deaths.”
Two young men, both 21, are now facing serious charges in connection with the incident.
Sam Asgari-Tabar, of Stratford Road in Sunderland, has been charged with robbery, kidnap, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving—a charge linked to a resident who is still being treated in hospital.
Reece Parish, from Fordham Road in the same city, has also been charged with robbery and kidnap.
The aftermath of the crash saw eight additional residents taken to hospital. Thankfully, none of their injuries were deemed life-threatening, and by Friday, only one person remained under medical care.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall expressed deep sorrow over the incident: “This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected.
We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time. Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community.”
Highcliffe Care Home is managed by Avery Healthcare, which confirmed on Thursday that residents were safely relocated to alternative accommodation.
Though the statement was released prior to the announcement of the two deaths, the care provider praised its team’s response: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to the carers and colleagues across our neighbouring homes who have stepped in to support at this time.
Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been truly commendable.
We are incredibly proud of the response from all staff involved.”
As the investigation progresses, the local community is left stunned and grieving. What was meant to be a place of safety and comfort has now become the centre of a tragic incident—one that’s left families heartbroken and a city searching for answers.
