Two elderly women have died after a BMW crashed into a care home.
Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, had to be evacuated following the crash on Wednesday night, which caused structural damage to the building.
On Friday morning, Northumbria Police said: “Sadly, two care home residents – a woman in her nineties and a woman in her eighties – passed away yesterday.
“The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers.
“Following this sad update, the investigation will now also consider whether the collision contributed to their deaths.”
Two 21-year-olds have been charged with a number of offences in connection with the incident, as the police force continues to investigate the deaths.
Sam Asgari-Tabar, of Stratford Road, Sunderland, has been charged with robbery and kidnap.
He has also been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving in relation to one of the care home residents who remains in hospital.
Reece Parish, of Fordham Road, Sunderland, has been charged with robbery and kidnap.
Northumbria Police said eight other residents were taken to hospital in the aftermath of the crash.
They had injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, and only one remained in hospital on Friday.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected.
“We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time.
“Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community.”
The care home is run by Avery Healthcare, which issued a statement on Thursday, before the deaths of the two women were known, saying residents had been moved to alternative accommodation.
The firm said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to the carers and colleagues across our neighbouring homes who have stepped in to support at this time.
“Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been truly commendable.
“We are incredibly proud of the response from all staff involved.”