The latest dangerous social media trend that ‘gamifies’ deadly driving
Twelve people were arrested following a fatal wrong-way crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough that killed seven, including two police officers. The incident has been linked to a social media trend that 'gamifies' deadly driving. Authorities have condemned the trend, with UK's Burnham calling it 'reprehensible'. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple arrests made and more expected.
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- ✓ Twelve people were arrested over the A66 crash that killed seven, including two police officers.
- ✓ The A66 crash has been linked to a social media trend that encourages dangerous driving for online glory.
- ✓ UK authorities have condemned the trend, with Burnham calling it 'reprehensible'.
- ✓ The UK government has urged social media platforms to remove videos glorifying dangerous driving.
What changed
The number of arrests in connection with the A66 crash investigation has increased to 12, as authorities continue to probe the incident's links to a broader social media trend.
Live updates
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UK police arrest 12 over fatal A66 crash; social media trend blamed
Twelve people were arrested following a fatal wrong-way crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough that killed seven, including two police officers. The incident has been linked to a social media trend that 'gamifies' deadly driving. Authorities have condemned the trend, with UK's Burnham calling it 'reprehensible'. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple arrests made and more expected.
Why it matters
The A66 crash has sparked widespread concern over a social media trend that encourages dangerous driving for online glory. The trend has been linked to several high-profile incidents of reckless driving in the UK. Authorities are working to identify and prosecute those responsible for promoting and participating in the trend. The UK government has urged social media platforms to remove videos glorifying dangerous driving.
What is confirmed
- Twelve people were arrested over the A66 crash that killed seven, including two police officers.
- The A66 crash has been linked to a social media trend that encourages dangerous driving for online glory.
- UK authorities have condemned the trend, with Burnham calling it 'reprehensible'.
- The UK government has urged social media platforms to remove videos glorifying dangerous driving.
Still unconfirmed
- The social media trend has been linked to several high-profile incidents of reckless driving in the UK.
What to watch next
- Further arrests in connection with the A66 crash investigation
- The UK government's response to social media platforms' handling of content promoting dangerous driving
- The outcome of the investigation into the A66 crash and its links to the social media trend
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (11)
- BBC — Police officers killed in wrong-way crash near Middlesbrough were heroes, say families
- The Guardian — Twelve people arrested over A66 crash that killed seven including two police officers
- CNN — The latest dangerous social media trend that ‘gamifies’ deadly driving
- AP News — Britain tells TikTok and other platforms to remove videos glorifying dangerous driving after deaths
- Reuters — UK's Burnham says glorifying dangerous driving on social media is 'reprehensible'
- The Guardian — Speeding for online glory: the internet subculture where young men drive dangerously for likes
- Yahoo — British police arrest 12 following fatal weekend crash
- BBC — Organised crime arrests as police investigate A66 crash that killed seven
- Yahoo — Horrifying dashcam footage shows vehicle travelling on wrong side of dual carriageway days after tragic A66 crash
- BBC — Five more arrests in Middlesbrough A66 wrong-way crash investigation
- The Telegraph — Five more arrested over A66 joyriding crash
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