Two more people died in a second multi-vehicle crash on one of the North East's main roads on Thursday as snow and icy weather caused chaos across the region.

Emergency services were called shortly before 5.50pm after a three-vehicle collision on the A69 single-carriageway between the junctions of Hexham (West) and Haydon Bridge.

It was reported that a grey Mazda 3 had been travelling eastbound when it collided with a silver Skoda Fabia that was travelling westbound.

The Skoda is then understood to have collided with a black Land Rover Discovery that was travelling eastbound.

Emergency services attended where sadly a 68-year-old female passenger from the Skoda, and an 81-year-old male passenger from the Mazda, had suffered life-threatening injuries.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the man and woman sadly passed away at the scene.

Their next of kin has been informed and they are currently being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.

The driver from the Skoda, a 73-year-old man, and the driver from the Mazda, an 82-year-old man, were taken to hospital for treatment with non-life threatening injuries. 

Just after 9am that day an elderly woman died following a six-vehicle collision on the A69 near the roundabout with the A68 in Styford.

A red Toyota Yaris is believed to have been stationary in a layby on the eastbound carriageway when – for reasons yet to be established – a red BMW 420D has collided with the vehicle.

The female passenger of the Toyota – aged 81 – had suffered life-threatening injuries and sadly passed away at the scene.

Investigations have been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collisions – and officers are now appealing to the public for information.

Regarding the second collision, Sergeant Andy Ferguson, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a devastating incident where two people have sadly lost their lives.

“We continue to offer our sincere condolences to both of the families affected, and we will continue to offer them any support they need.

“An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the collision – and we are determined to get answers around what has happened. 

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“We are especially keen to hear from any passing motorists or witnesses who might have seen what happened or have any CCTV or dashcam footage which shows the area of this collision.

“Your help at this early stage could prove key and we would urge the public to assist us with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website, or call 101, quoting log number NP-20231130-0833.