A66 Teesside Crash: Cleveland Police Officers Matthew Blades and Tom Clough Among Seven Killed in Tragic Collision

TEESSIDE, England — The Teesside community is mourning the deaths of seven people, including Cleveland Police officers PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, following a devastating collision on the A66 near South Bank, close to Middlesbrough.

The fatal crash occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning and has prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The deaths have left families, colleagues and communities across the region facing a profound loss.

What Happened in the A66 Crash

According to the information provided, the collision occurred at approximately 3:39 a.m. when a Volkswagen Passat was travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 and collided with a marked Cleveland Police vehicle travelling in the correct direction.

Emergency services responded to the scene, but all seven people involved in the two vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene.

The identities and personal details of the five other victims were not provided in the available information and are therefore not available.

PC Matthew Blades Remembered

PC Matthew Blades, 37, was one of the two Cleveland Police officers killed in the collision.

His death has prompted an outpouring of grief within Cleveland Police and among members of the wider community he served. Colleagues are remembering Matthew as a dedicated public servant who committed himself to protecting others.

Further personal details about his family, education, career history and interests are not available in the information provided.

PC Tom Clough Remembered

PC Tom Clough, 38, also died in the crash.

Like Matthew, Tom was a serving Cleveland Police officer whose death has deeply affected colleagues and fellow members of the policing community.

Those who worked alongside the officers are now reflecting on their commitment to public service and the risks faced by police personnel while carrying out their duties.

Additional personal information about Tom’s family, background and life outside policing is not available.

Cleveland Police Pays Tribute

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described the incident as an incredibly sad day and paid tribute to the two officers.

The deaths have affected not only their colleagues but also the families, friends and communities connected to them. Police officers routinely work in challenging circumstances, and the loss of two serving officers in a single incident has had a particularly profound impact on the force.

Investigation Underway

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, as required following a fatal incident involving police contact.

Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid speculation while investigators establish exactly what happened before and during the crash.

The investigation will examine the circumstances of the vehicles’ movements, the collision itself and any other factors that may have contributed to the deaths.

Remembering the Seven Victims

The tragedy extends beyond the two police officers. Five other people also lost their lives in the collision, leaving multiple families to deal with an unimaginable loss.

Their names, ages, occupations and other personal details are not available in the information provided.

As investigations continue, families, friends, police colleagues and members of the Teesside community are mourning all seven victims and remembering the lives they shared with those around them.

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

Details concerning funeral services, memorial arrangements and tributes for PC Matthew Blades, PC Tom Clough and the other victims are not available in the information provided. Any further details will be announced by the respective families or relevant authorities when appropriate.

The A66 tragedy has left a lasting impact on the Teesside community. PC Matthew Blades, PC Tom Clough and the five other people who died in the collision will be remembered by their families, friends, colleagues and communities as lives lost far too soon.