Birmingham Road crash: Teenage girl dies and driver arrested in Great Barr van tragedy

The 17-year-old was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham but died shortly after.

The 42-year-old driver of the van has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, following the crash which happened at around 8.30am this morning in Birmingham Road, Great Barr.

The male driver from Walsall did not require hospital treatment, but was treated for shock at the scene.

In a statement on their website, Q3 Academy in Great Barr confirmed that the girl had been a student at the school.

The A34 was closed between Peak House Road and Merrions Close for several hours as a result of the crash, while emergency services cleared the scene.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Jamie Arrowsmith said: "When ambulance staff arrived they found a teenage girl who had suffered very serious injuries.

"Crews immediately began advanced life support and she was quickly transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham on blue lights and sirens with the doctor from the air ambulance travelling on the back of the ambulance to continue emergency treatment en-route."

"Unfortunately, shortly after arrival at hospital it became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed deceased.

"The driver of the van, a man, was treated for the effects of shock and discharged on scene."

Police Constable Julie Lyman, from the force's Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We have spoken to a number of witnesses at the scene, but we would still like to hear from anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to an officer.

"This is a devastating tragedy for the girl's family and her friends and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time."

The Collision Investigation Unit can be contacted on 101.

The A34 is a popular commuter route with a dual carriageway running from Birmingham, through Great Barr and up to Walsall.