A man in his 30s has died after being struck by an ambulance on the A19 near Sunderland, Northumbria Police said.
The collision happened shortly after 2am as the ambulance travelled north between the junctions for the A1018 and A690. The vehicle was transporting a patient to hospital and was not using its blue lights at the time.
The man died at the scene, and his next of kin have been informed. No one else in the ambulance was injured.
The driver, a man in his 40s, remained at the scene and assisted officers with their inquiries.
The North East Ambulance Service said the patient on board and their partner were transferred to another ambulance and taken to hospital for further treatment.
A spokesperson said: “We dispatched a number of resources to the scene. The patient on board and their partner were transferred to another ambulance and taken to hospital for further treatment.
“Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews attending, the patient injured as the result of the collision passed away at the scene.
“This is a hugely tragic incident for all involved. Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient’s loved ones.
“We will now, of course, be working closely with the police to support their investigation.”
Officers from Northumbria Police’s roads policing unit are investigating and have appealed for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the collision, or the events leading up to it, to come forward.
Sergeant Ben Rutherford said: “Our thoughts are firmly with the family and loved ones of the man who has tragically died following this collision.
“We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this incredibly difficult time.”
He added: “We have already conducted a number of enquiries as part of our investigation, and are keen for anyone with information to come forward.
“We are particularly keen to hear from those who may have seen or have footage of the events leading up to the collision.
“Any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – could prove key to our investigation and help provide answers for the man’s loved ones.”
Information can be passed to Northumbria Police via its social media channels, live chat or report forms, quoting reference NP-20261115-0086.
