Leeds road re-opens more than 12 hours after fatal crash
Drivers were being urged to avoid the area earlier today.
A road that was closed after a deadly multi-vehicle crash in Leeds has been re-opened.
Police were pursuing a BMW vehicle on Gelderd Road in the Hollbeck area of the city when it collided with another car. The driver and passenger of that vehicle have both died, it has been confirmed.
Four people have been arrested, West Yorkshire Police announced earlier on Sunday (November 15). The tragic collision happened at around 12.45am and the road remained shut for most of the day.
The AA’s online traffic map shows that as of 4.15pm, Gelderd Road has now re-opened. Police had previously urged motorists to avoid the area, while the Metro News traffic account reported that the 229 bus was being diverted due to the closure.
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.”
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.