A devastating early morning collision between a taxi and a car in Bolton has claimed four lives and left five others hospitalised with injuries.
Scene of the Collision
The serious crash occurred at approximately 12.45am on Wigan Road in the Rumworth area of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It involved a Citroen Picasso private hire vehicle and a red Seat Leon.
Local residents described being woken by a 'very loud bang' and witnessing the immediate aftermath. They reported seeing emergency services personnel performing CPR on injured passengers at the roadside in a desperate attempt to save lives.
Fatalities and Emergency Response
Tragically, both drivers lost their lives in the impact. Two passengers travelling within the red Seat Leon were also killed. Another five individuals, all passengers, were taken to hospital where they are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.
Photographs from the scene, taken as the vehicles were recovered, showed the catastrophic damage sustained by both cars. The front end of one vehicle was almost completely destroyed, underlining the severe force of the collision.
Police Investigation and Community Appeal
On Thursday, a large police cordon remained in place on Wigan Road as officers from the Greater Manchester Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) launched a detailed forensic examination of the scene.
Rumours that began circulating on social media, suggesting the crash was the result of a police chase, were swiftly addressed and dismissed by local authorities. Councillor Ayyub Patel, who represents the Rumworth ward, stated he had spoken directly with investigating officers.
"I have spoken directly with officers, who have confirmed that no police or other authorities were involved," he said. "This was an unfortunate and deeply distressing incident... My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected."
He urged the community to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed. One shaken local resident recounted: "I can't believe it. I heard the loudest bang and I saw them doing CPR... I saw the taxi driver's passenger, a woman get out the taxi and there were two other people who were in the taxi unconscious."
Greater Manchester Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information, including dashcam footage, to come forward. They can contact the SCIU directly on 0161 856 4741, quoting log number 111, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
