Heartbreak in Bolton as Four Lives Lost in Devastating Collision
A close-knit community in Bolton has been left reeling after a horrific car crash claimed the lives of four people earlier this month. The tragic incident, which occurred on January 11, involved a collision between a Seat Leon and a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi, resulting in profound loss and multiple serious injuries.
Families Mourn Beloved Teenagers and Taxi Driver
Among those killed were three teenagers: Mohammed-Danyaal Asghar-Ali, aged 19, Farhan Imtiyaz Patel, 18, and the 18-year-old driver of the Seat Leon. The crash also took the life of 54-year-old taxi driver Masrob Ali, who was behind the wheel of the Citroen. Five other individuals sustained injuries in the collision, with some facing life-altering consequences.
In a deeply moving tribute issued through Greater Manchester Police, the parents of Mohammed-Danyaal Asghar-Ali described their son as their "heart, my soul, my everything." They revealed that his father, who considered him his best friend, has been left "broken" by the tragedy. "He was the one who taught me how to be a mother, my first born, my baby," his mother expressed. "I can’t express the emptiness he has left inside me."
"Wouldn't Wish This Pain on Anyone": A Family's Agony
The grieving parents emphasised the unimaginable pain of losing a child, stating there is no word to describe such sorrow. "Our world has been shattered; it will never be the same again," they said. "His siblings have lost their older brother, the brother who was so protective and loving." They extended their condolences to all families affected by the crash, highlighting a shared sense of devastation.
Mohammed-Danyaal was remembered as a "such a good boy" who "gave love and respect to everyone" and never failed to bring smiles to those around him. His sister shared that he was not just a sibling but her best friend, with an incredible ability to light up any room. "He had a way of knowing exactly when I was feeling down and always managed to bring a smile to my face," she recalled.
Survivors Grapple with Trauma and Recovery
The crash also left several survivors with severe injuries. Georgina Daniels and her husband Tom, from Bolton, were among the four passengers in the taxi. Georgina expressed disbelief at their survival, telling the Manchester Evening News: "I can't fathom how we're all still alive – it should have taken our lives." She described the pain as "relentless, just unbearable" and acknowledged that their lives are forever changed.
Both Georgina and Tom remain in hospital, facing a long and challenging road to recovery. "We're still struggling to come to terms with the fact that all the things we're talking about and reading about are about us," Georgina explained, underscoring the difficulty of processing such a traumatic event.
Tributes Pour in for a "Kind Man with a Big Heart"
Humayra, the 29-year-old daughter of taxi driver Masrob Ali, spoke to BBC Manchester about her father's death. "It's absolutely devastating. We are all in shock — even in denial," she said. She remembered him as a "really good man", known for his kindness, generosity, and big heart. "I feel like it's just a bad dream that I'm about to wake up from," she added, capturing the surreal grief felt by many.
Mohammed-Danyaal's brother and other sister also shared heartfelt memories, recalling his humour, playful nature, and unique bond with his siblings. His brother noted that while he never said "I love you" outright, he showed his affection through actions like making food or playful teasing. His sister reminisced about their inside jokes involving Korean dramas, now clinging to those cherished moments.
The community continues to rally around those affected, as investigations into the crash proceed. The outpouring of tributes underscores the profound impact of this tragedy on multiple families, friends, and the wider Bolton area.
