A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after the collision on Shaftmoor Lane on Saturday evening.
A 16-year-old boy has died and another teenager has been seriously injured after a Seat Ibiza crashed into railings in Birmingham. West Midlands Police were called to Shaftmoor Lane at about 8.30pm on Saturday 17 October. The 19-year-old driver was arrested at the scene. Specialist collision investigators are appealing for witnesses and footage.
The collision
The white Seat Ibiza was carrying at least three people. Paramedics tried to save the 16-year-old passenger, but he died. A second teenage boy was taken to hospital with a serious arm injury. Police have not said whether he needed surgery or is still in hospital, and his age has not been released.
Reports say the car struck roadside railings in the Acocks Green area. Police have not said publicly whether speed, road conditions, a mechanical fault or something else played a part. There is no verified report that a second vehicle was involved.
The arrest
The 19-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to provide a breath specimen. The last allegation does not show that he had drunk alcohol or was over the legal limit, and no toxicology result has been reported. He was in police custody for questioning at the latest update. As of Sunday 18 October, there was no confirmation that he had been charged. An arrest is part of an investigation and does not establish guilt.
Appeal for witnesses
West Midlands Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry. Officers are collecting witness accounts and asking for footage, including dashcam recordings, from shortly before and during the crash. That could help establish how the car moved and how it left the road. Anyone with information can contact West Midlands Police on 101 or through its online reporting service, quoting log 4403 of 17 October.
The dead boy has not been officially named. His school, home area and any family statement have not been released, and there is no confirmed announcement of a vigil. Names and photographs circulating on social media should not be treated as reliable.
