A devastating collision between a car and a taxi in the early hours of Sunday morning has claimed four lives, with three teenagers believed to be among the victims.
Scene of the Tragic Collision
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that a red Seat Leon and a Citroen C4 Picasso crashed on Wigan Road in Bolton at approximately 12:45am on Sunday, 11 January 2026. The force reported that the driver of the Seat and two of its passengers, all thought to be young men aged between 18 and 19, died at the scene. The driver of the Citroen, a man believed to be in his 50s, was also pronounced dead following the impact.
Emergency Services Response
Emergency services, including three fire engines and a technical response unit from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, were dispatched at around 12:50am. Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to extricate casualties from the wreckage before handing them to the care of the North West Ambulance Service.
Five other passengers sustained injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment. Crews remained at the location for roughly two hours to make the area safe, with GMP officers establishing a cordon.
Community Left 'Devastated'
Councillor Ayyub Patel of Bolton Council described the event as an "incredibly tragic incident" that has left the wider community "devastated." He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died.
He urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to proceed, noting that residents "will need time to process and recover from such a profound loss."
GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SICU) has launched a full probe and is appealing for witnesses to come forward. Investigators are particularly keen to obtain any dashcam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage that could shed light on the circumstances leading to the crash. A scene remains in place on Wigan Road as enquiries continue.
