Tragedy as man dies after suffering medical episode at the wheel on the A19 in Killingworth

A man has died after having a medical episode at the wheel on the A19. The driver of a van is believed to have pulled into a layby off the A19 southbound between Annitsford and Killingworth . The van is understood to have then rolled into traffic and collided with oncoming vehicles.

Emergency services attended the incident just before midday on Tuesday. Despite their best efforts, the man, in his 60s, died at the scene. The incident caused major delays in the area with traffic queuing for miles for around two hours before the road was reopened to drivers.



Northumbria Police have now issued an appeal for more information as they investigate the moments leading up to the collision. A spokesperson said: "Just before midday yesterday (Tuesday), we received a report of a collision on the southbound carriageway of the A19 between the Moor Farm Roundabout and Killingworth. It was reported a van has been pulled into a layby where the driver was believed to be suffering a medical episode.

"The vehicle has then rolled into the carriageway and collided with oncoming traffic. Emergency services attended, where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the occupant of the van, a man in his 60s, sadly died at the scene. "The man's next of kin have been informed.

The A19 was closed for a number of hours, however the road reopened to traffic just after 2pm. "Anyone with information is asked to get in touch by sending a private message on social media or by using live chat on our website. If anyone is unable to contact us in this way, they can call 101.

Please quote reference number: NP-20250422-0313." Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone. To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device.

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