Two older women have died after a BMW crashed into a nursing home.
Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, had to be evacuated after the crash on Wednesday night, causing structural damage to the building.
On Friday morning, Northumbria police said: “Unfortunately, two nursing homes died – a woman in her nineties and a woman in her eighty – yesterday.
“The relative of both women has been notified and supported by specially trained officers.
“After this sad update, the investigation will now also consider whether the collision contributed to their deaths.”
Two 21-year-olds are charged with a number of offenses in connection with the incident as the police force continues to investigate the deaths.
Sam Asgari-Tabar from Stratford Road, Sunderland, is accused of robbery and kidnap.
He is also charged with causing serious damage to dangerous driving compared to one of the nursing home residents who remain in the hospital.
Reece Parish from Fordham Road, Sunderland, is accused of robbery and kidnap.
Northumbria police said eight other residents were brought to the hospital in the wake of the crash.
They had injuries that were not believed to be life -threatening, and only one remained in the hospital on Friday.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall from the Northumbria police said: “This is an extremely sad development and all our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of all affected.
“We will continue to support them in every way we can at this time.
“Our studies remain at an early stage and we will ask people to avoid speculation both online and in society.”
Care Home is run by Avery Healthcare, who issued a statement on Thursday before the two women’s deaths were known by saying residents had been moved to alternative accommodation.
The company said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to carers and colleagues across our nearby home who have stepped in to support at this time.
“Their professionalism, dedication and compassion for ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been really commendable.
“We are incredibly proud of the answer from all staff involved.”