Sunderland care home crash: 2 men charged after deaths

Two men have been charged following a devastating car crash that killed two elderly care home residents in Sunderland. The collision occurred after police pursued a stolen BMW that smashed into Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack on Wednesday evening.

The crash forced the evacuation of the entire care home and caused significant structural damage to the building. Two women, one in her 90s and another in her 80s, died on Thursday from injuries sustained in the collision at around 9.40pm.

Charges brought against suspects

Sam Asgari-Tabar, 21, of Stratford Road, Sunderland, faces charges of robbery, kidnap and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The dangerous driving charge relates to one care home resident who remains hospitalised following the crash.

Reece Parish, 21, of Fordham Road, Sunderland, has been charged with robbery and kidnap in connection with the incident. Parish also faces a separate charge of violent disorder relating to events in Sunderland city centre on 2nd August last year.

Police pursuit details emerge

Northumbria Police had been following the stolen BMW after it was reported taken from an address in Fenham, Newcastle, at around 9.20pm on Wednesday. Officers were authorised to pursue the vehicle, which crashed into the care home approximately five minutes later.

Police allege that a woman involved in a proposed sale was inside the vehicle when it was driven off, before being forcibly removed shortly afterwards. The woman was left shaken but uninjured by the incident, according to the force.

Care home evacuated completely

Eight other residents were taken to hospital following the crash with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. One resident remained in hospital by Friday evening, whilst the others have been moved to alternative accommodation.

The care home now stands deserted behind a metal barrier, with large cracks visible in the brickwork around the crash site. Debris has spilled out onto the garden, highlighting the severity of the impact that damaged the building's structure.

Investigation continues independently

A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the police pursuit. The latest Care Quality Commission report from 2021 showed the home cared for a maximum of 60 residents, including people with dementia.

Both men are due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Saturday. A force spokesman warned against speculation online or in communities, stating this could impact the ongoing court case.

Avery Healthcare, which runs the care home, expressed deep sadness about the incident and committed to supporting residents, families and staff during this difficult time. The company praised the compassion and professionalism shown by their teams but declined further comment due to the active police investigation.

Anyone with concerns or information can contact Northumbria Police via social media, live chat, report forms on their website, or by calling 101 quoting reference NP-20250709-1225.

(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.