A BMW collided with five police cars, injuring seven officers who were subsequently hospitalized | Carscoops

      A 20-year-old was detained on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving.

      Local authorities are looking into what went wrong during the short pursuit.

      The roof of one police vehicle had to be removed after the accident.

      Two occupants of the BMW that initiated the chase have been arrested.

      The distinction between high-speed heroics and sheer chaos can sometimes become unclear. Police chases may conclude with swift arrests and smooth apprehensions, but occasionally, they result in a path of wrecked patrol cars and numerous questions. This was the case in the UK last week, where a pursuit involving a BMW ended with five damaged police vehicles and seven injured officers, prompting an investigation into the mishap.

      The chase commenced shortly after 2 a.m. when local police were informed about a dark grey BMW being driven erratically in the Whickham region of Gateshead. However, at 2:27 a.m., the BMW collided with five police cars, leaving debris scattered across the A1 motorway.

      Local law enforcement is examining the crash to understand why the chase ended so disastrously. Some police vehicles sustained extensive damage, including at least two Volvo V60s that were involved in the collision. A Vauxhall estate also appeared to be heavily damaged, suggesting it was struck from behind.

      Another police car was completely wrecked and photographed on the roadside missing its tailgate and doors. It seems first responders had to cut off the estate’s roof to safely free the officers inside. Other vehicles damaged in the incident included a dark grey F10 BMW 5-Series, and a sixth vehicle, which is hard to identify, was left significantly crumpled.

      Ongoing Investigations

      Authorities have apprehended a man in his 20s believed to be driving the BMW 5-Series on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving. His female passenger has also been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving.

      Five ambulance teams, a specialized paramedic, and members of the hazardous area response team responded to the crash site. Of the seven officers taken to the hospital, four were later released, two were held for observation, and one officer required treatment for a leg injury, according to reports from AOL.

      "We wish all the officers involved in the collision a speedy recovery," said Northumbria Police superintendent Michelle Caisley. “An investigation is underway to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, and we encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.”