First photos capture devastating aftermath of fatal Leeds crash
Four people have been arrested ⚠️
This is the devastating aftermath of a fatal crash that left two people dead in Leeds.
The tragic incident happened just before 1am on Sunday (November 15) and left Gelderd Road closed hours later. Photos taken at the scene show a large police presence remains in place.
Two young people from York were killed after a BMW being chased by police crashed into their Volkswagen car. The driver, a 22-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene while a 23-year-old female passenger was taken to hospital but later died.
West Yorkshire Police have arrested four people on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. It includes a 39-year-old man, two teenage boys aged 16 and 17, and a 16-year-old girl.
Gelderd Road remains closed and drivers are urged to avoid the area.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Leeds which has tragically resulted in the deaths of two people.
At 12.44am this morning a blue BMW 123D failed to stop for a police vehicle in Gelderd Road.
“A pursuit was commenced and the BMW was involved in a collision with a white Volkswagen Scirocco which was turning into Gelderd Road from Lowfields Road.
““The driver of the Volkswagen, a 22-year-old man from York, was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene, and a passenger in the same car, a 23-year-old woman from York, was sadly pronounced deceased at hospital a short time later.”
The statement continued: “A 39-year-old man from Harrogate has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while over the prescribed limit for cannabis in relation to the incident and remains in custody.
“Three other occupants of the BMW, two boys aged 16 and 17 and a 16-year-old girl, were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not considered life threatening. They have each been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
“A scene and road closure remain in place in Gelderd Road, and drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.”
Earlier this morning, in a post on Facebook, the force’s official account wrote: “Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.”
A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which has declared an independent investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle in the time leading up to it, particularly anyone with relevant dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage, is asked to contact officers via 101 or online via the Live Chat facility on our website quoting reference 13260649342.