Second teenager dies after canal horror (From Warrington Guardian)

Second teenager dies after canal horror

A SECOND teenager has died after a car carrying four young people plunged into the Bridgewater canal in Grappenhall on Sunday.

Police confirmed today, Tuesday, that the 17-year-old male driver had died after being in a critical condition following the crash.

This follows the death of Priestley College student, Gemma Biggin, also aged 17. Gemma, who had been riding in the front passenger seat of the car, died at Warrington Hospital on Sunday.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said that the two back seat passengers received minor injuries.

The incident happened at around 9.45pm on Sunday, when a red Fiat Punto car rounded a bend on Stockton Lane.

The car, which was travelling towards Stockton Heath, veered across the road and plunged into the Bridgewater Canal, after the driver lost control negotiating the bend.

It is believed that the two back seat passengers, also 17-year-old boys, kicked through the rear window of the car and were helped to safety by police and members of the public.

Miss Biggin and the driver, who has yet to be officially named, were freed, after spending some time underwater and were taken to Warrington Hospital for emergency treatment.

The car remained in the canal until Monday morning when police recovered it. The Cheshire Police underwater search team was dispatched to inspect the scene.

The Warrington Road Policing Unit is now investigating the crash and is appealing for anyone with information to call 01244 350000.