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An elderly man in his 80s has tragically died following a collision on the A1 near the Metrocentre earlier today (Monday).

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10:15 AM after reports of a serious collision involving a pedestrian and a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) on the southbound carriageway. The Great North Air Ambulance was also in attendance, but despite their efforts, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Initial investigations suggest the man may have been linked to a white Ford Edge vehicle that was parked nearby.

Both sides of the A1 were closed for several hours to allow emergency services to attend and for investigations to take place. The road closures caused significant delays, with motorists advised to seek alternative routes. The northbound carriageway reopened earlier, and the southbound carriageway was reopened at approximately 2:30 PM.

The driver of the HGV remained at the scene and is assisting police with their inquiries.

Appeal for Witnesses

Northumbria Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Sergeant Dave Roberts of the Roads Policing Unit said:

“Firstly, our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

A range of enquiries are underway as we work to understand what led to this tragic incident.

We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicles involved – a Scania HGV and a white Ford Edge – in the area at the time.

If you have any dashcam footage or information that could assist with our investigation, please come forward.”

How to Help

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police via their website, social media channels, or by calling 101. Please quote reference number NP-20241125-0254.

This is a developing story, and our thoughts are with the man’s family and everyone affected by this tragedy.

Dominic P.
2 days ago
Amazing service and Phil was a first rate instructor. I rang and had lessons later that week. I've had several instructors over the year but Phil made me feel at ease and taught me so many things of thers didn't. Passed my test after a few weeks of teaching. Can't recommend this school high enough. Thanks again Phil!
Dylan A.
1 month ago
recommends
alex is a great instructor and very helpful and they are very inclusive and will take the time too gdt to know the learner and understand how they learn best and develop lessons around that.

all round fantastic experience amd would recommend
henx
2 weeks ago
Thank you shift and thank you Majid, Majid was a brilliant instructor, helped me every step of the way so i could pass me test with great lessons and support.
Garry D.
12 months ago
recommends
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
Theodora C.
3 weeks ago
Had a great experience with Shift, got assigned an instructor quickly and Ciaran has been absolutely brilliant. He always stayed calm, explained things really clearly and was incredibly patient with me, especially when I was anxious about something. It made the learning process fun and I passed first time thanks to his efforts!
Denise W.
2 years ago
recommends
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
NE Driving S.
4 weeks ago
Webdeco.
2 years ago
recommends
What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
Ismail A.
4 weeks ago
Amazing experience with Majid. Couldn’t recommend more, passed with ease and would come back if I could.
Aidan S.
4 weeks ago
I'd definitely recommend shift to anyone in Gateshead/Newcastle. My instructor was Paul Malone, and he done a brilliant job getting me ready for my test. Paul was always good at fitting in lessons around my schedule. Also enjoyed the friendly banter and easy-going attitude during lessons.

Cheers Paul and shift driving school for getting me on the road 👍🏽