Three teenagers and a man in his 50s have tragically lost their lives in a “serious accident” that also resulted in injuries to five others.
The incident, involving a car and a taxi, occurred on Wigan Road in Deane, Bolton, at approximately 12.45 am today. According to the police, a red Seat Leon collided with a Citroën C4 Picasso on the road.
Authorities have maintained a significant police presence at the scene, and traffic monitoring service Inrix has indicated that the road is shut in both directions between Deane Church Lane and Bankfield Street.
Following the tragic event, Local Councillor Ayyub Patel shared that he had spoken with the families of the victims who were left “devastated” by the news.
A spokesperson from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service reported that at about 12.50 am, three fire engines and a technical response unit responded to the crash involving a taxi and a car on Wigan Road, Bolton. Firefighters worked swiftly to secure the area and extricate individuals from the vehicles using cutting equipment before transferring them to the North West Ambulance Service. Greater Manchester Police assisted in cordoning off the scene, with crews present for approximately two hours.
Residents in the vicinity reported being awakened by a loud noise just before 1 am. Police had earlier confirmed that a red Seat Leon and a Citroën C4 Picasso collided at around 12.45 am, with both vehicles sustaining significant damage.
The tragic incident is believed to have been a head-on collision, resulting in the deaths of two 18-year-old men, a 19-year-old man, and the male driver of the Citroën C4 Picasso.
Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) has appealed for information and witnesses following the fatal collision. They urge anyone with relevant details, including those who saw the vehicles before the crash or have dashcam/CCTV footage, to come forward.
Authorities have confirmed the fatal outcome of the morning crash, with four individuals pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, five other passengers were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The crash, which occurred outside residential homes on Wigan Road, reportedly involved a taxi, leading to the closure of a 200-meter stretch of the road following the incident.
A witness at the scene noted that both vehicles had been removed, with one already taken away and the other in the process of being towed, describing the scene as chaotic.
Cleanup efforts are underway, with one of the severely damaged vehicles being loaded onto a tow truck. A substantial police presence remains in the area, with Greater Manchester Police expected to release a statement shortly.
Local councillor Ayyub Patel expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event and extended condolences to the affected families, praising the emergency services for their prompt and professional response.
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service dispatched three fire engines and a technical response unit to the scene on Wigan Road around 12.50 am to address the aftermath of the devastating accident.