Two children killed in Birmingham New Road hit-and-run crash
A police manhunt is under way after a driver fled the scene in Wolverhampton.
Two brothers have died and their mother left seriously injured after their car was hit in a crash.
Sanjay Singh, aged 10, and his 23-month-old brother Pawanveer Singh, were travelling with their mother in a BMW when the crash happened on Birmingham New Road, in Wolverhampton, last night.
The family's car was turning right into Lawnswood Avenue, when they were struck by an Audi S3 at around 8.45pm.
The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of a third car has been arrested on suspicion of causing the deaths of the brothers.
Police are searching for the person who was behind the wheel of the Audi.
Witnesses reported seeing the cars racing and overtaking other vehicles before the crash.
Police confirmed the mother was taken to hospital with serious injuries and she remains there today.
Members of the public rushed to help the family in the minutes before paramedics arrived.
The family are now being supported by specialist officers.
WATCH: Footage from the scene
Police appeal after arrest
West Midlands Police said the driver of the Audi fled the scene and have launched an appeal for them to come forward.
A 31-year-old man from a third car, a Bentley, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released pending further investigation.
Det Sgt Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Sanjay and Pawanveer Singh at this extremely difficult time.
“We have already had a huge response from the public but would urge anyone who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch.
“I would appeal directly to the driver of the Audi to make contact with us. You may not be fully aware of the full tragic circumstances but you now need to speak to us.
“I would also ask the public who have any information regarding the driver or recall seeing a blue Audi S3 and a white Bentley Continental convertible travelling along the Birmingham New Road to make contact.”
The force has confirmed that the speed of the vehicles involved is one line of inquiry.
Devastated family pay tribute
The family of Sanjay and Pawanveer have paid this tribute: “Our family are grieving over the tragic deaths of our two beautiful children, as well as dealing with the shock of the horrific crash.
“We appeal to the general public to come forward as witnesses in order help police find the perpetrator who fled from the scene and to bring him or her to justice.
“At this time we would appreciate some privacy and space to grieve over our precious loss.
“Your co-operation in this would be very much appreciated.”
Bystanders help tend to victims
Debris were strewn across the road from from the crash which involved three cars, one of which had gone through a metal fence.
Forensic collision investigators were called to the scene after the crash.
An ambulance arrived on scene five minutes after the initial 999 call and was backed up by a second ambulance, the MERIT Trauma doctor and critical care paramedic and two paramedic officers.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival ambulance staff found a number of members of the public tending to those involved in the crash.
“There were three patients who all came from the same car. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that nothing could be done to save the two young boys who had been badly hurt and they were confirmed dead at the scene.
“A woman who had been driving the car was assessed and treated at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Her injuries are not life threatening.
“There were no other patients.”
Interactive map of the scene:
Birmingham New Road was reopened at 3.40am although damage to the barrier remained along with sand on the carriageway.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote log number 2580 of 14 March.
Shock at deaths of young children in crash
One man, whose flat overlooks the dual carriageway leading to the accident scene, said the BMW was hit shortly after his son spotted two cars near the junction.
The resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I didn’t see it but I heard it.
“My son ran to the window. Then we heard an almighty bang.
“My missus ran down to see if she could help and all the police and ambulance workers were there.
“You could see the police officers stopping the traffic were really, really distressed.”
Off-duty taxi driver Tanveer Hussain was driving from the McDonald's on the Birmingham New Road, towards Wolverhampton, when two cars drove him.
The 32-year-old from Tipton, said: “I heard the bang but didn’t realise what had happened at first.
“I was going around 35/40mph and they went by in a flash, much quicker than me.”
Another man, who saw the aftermath, heard a woman “screaming”.
He said: “I didn’t see the accident itself but I think it was at about 8.40pm.
“There were a few cars involved and one car had been pushed through the railings.”
Describing the wrecked white BMW, he said: “There were car seats in the back. It was completely written off with the airbags deployed.
He added: “It’s very sad to hear that children have been killed.”
Nearby residents have expressed their shock and devastation at the tragedy and have started leaving tributes at the scene.
Dan Blunt, who lives on Lawnswood Avenue, laid flowers at the scene to ‘pay respects’ to the young victims.
The 27-year-old said: “I was on Facebook last night and saw what has happened, I came here to pay my respects.
“I have today off work and wanted to come down. This really is shocking.
“To think it’s near where I live is shocking, I don’t know the family but it’s awful.”
Another man, who did not wished to be named but who lives nearby, said: "I was walking the dog and saw all the police cars here and the commotion.
"I didn’t really see anything at the time but a lot of people were standing outside watching what was happening, I didn’t know what was happening at the time."
Richard Jones, 44, also lives on Lawnswood Avenue and was coming home from work when he saw the ‘tragic’ scene.
He said: “This is so tragic and very sad.
“I was coming home from work and saw all the police cordon and the scene."
