Four people who died following a collision between a taxi and a car in Bolton have been named locally, as Greater Manchester Police (GMP) continue their investigation.
The crash happened in the early hours of 11 January on Wigan Road, when a red Seat Leon collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 1am.
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All four occupants involved were pronounced dead at the scene, while five other passengers were taken to hospital with injuries, GMP confirmed.
The driver of the Seat Leon and two passengers, all believed to be men aged between 18 and 19, were named locally by the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) as Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, Farhan Patel and Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali.
Mosrab Ali, believed to be the taxi driver and aged in his 50s, was also named locally.
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GMP Chief Inspector Helen McCormick said formal identification was still taking place, but confirmed that the families of those believed to be involved had been informed and were receiving support from specialist family liaison officers.
Describing the incident as “devastating”, she added that the crash scene was “particularly challenging” for emergency services responding overnight.
Footage shared online from a nearby property appeared to show a head-on collision, with both vehicles and debris thrown across the road.
Emergency services describe “challenging” overnight response
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said:
“At around 12.50am this morning, three fire engines and the technical response unit attended a crash involving a taxi and a car on Wigan Road, Bolton. Firefighters arrived quickly to make the area safe and used cutting equipment to help remove people from the vehicles before passing them into the care of North West Ambulance Service.
“Greater Manchester Police assisted with cordoning the area. Crews were in attendance for roughly two hours.”
A local resident said she was woken by a “loud bang” and later saw “quite a bit of debris” scattered across the road, along with a red car that was “really damaged”.
Calls for privacy as investigation continues
Councillor Ayyub Patel, of Bolton Council, told Sky News the “incredibly tragic incident” had left the entire community “devastated”.
He offered his “heartfelt condolences” to the families and loved ones affected, adding that residents “will need time to process and recover from such a profound loss”. He also urged the public to “avoid speculation and allow the investigation to take its proper course”.
In a statement, the Bolton Council of Mosques said, “BCOM is very sad to announce that there was a tragic accident early hours in the morning and the subsequent loss of four young lives.
“BCoM is closely supporting the families and liaising with the relevant authorities. The authorities are professionally, expediently and empathetically dealing with all the necessary issues.
“It is anticipated that details of the burial will be announced as soon as possible. Please make dua for the deceased and their families and allow them privacy.”
GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the crash to come forward. A cordon remains in place as enquiries continue.
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