Four killed and five injured in Wigan Road, Bolton crash

The crash happened in Wigan Road, Deane at 12.44am on Sunday (January 11) when a red Seat Leon travelling along the road crashed with a Citroen C4 Picasso, believed to be a taxi.

Police have confirmed the driver of the Seat and two of his passengers have died, along with the driver of the Citroen, while five injured passengers were taken to hospital.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for information and witnesses for further information following a fatal collision in the early hours of Sunday, January 11.

“At around 12.45am, officers attended Wigan Road, Bolton, where a red Seat Leon was travelling down the road and collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso.

“The driver of the Seat, and two passengers, have tragically died following the collision.

“The driver of the Citroen was also sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Five injured passengers have been taken to hospital, where they are currently being treated.

Police were called out in the early hours (Image: Phil Taylor)

“A scene is still in place at this time as officers continue their investigation.

“The SCIU are urging for anyone with information to please come forward.

“This includes anyone who saw the vehicle driving before the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or has dashcam/ CCTV footage of the incident.”

Police were on Wigan Road for hours (Image: Phil Taylor)

The crash happened in a stretch of Wigan Road between Deane Church Lane and Bankfield Street, lined with houses.

One resident living near the crash site reported it happened “exactly at 12.44am as I was texting my partner at the same time when I heard the very loud bang.”

They added: “I heard a woman screaming very loudly, straight after the accident and then a few times afterwards.

A view of the aftermath on Wigan Road (Image: Public)

“She was a pedestrian who saw the accident happen in front of her eyes and started running in the opposite direction of the accident as she saw the bodies being crushed.

“The police had to stop and pull her back because she was close to fainting.”

Police were called to the scene, followed by three fire engines and a tactical response unit with paramedics.

An area of road was cordoned off (Image: Phil Taylor)

Firefighters remained at the scene for around two hours and used cutting equipment to extract casualties from the wreckage, before leaving the incident in the hands of the police.

Another local resident said: “I can’t believe it, I heard the loudest bang and I saw them doing CPR on a person who was in the car accident.”

He added: “I saw the taxi driver’s passenger, a woman, get out of the taxi, and there were two other people who were in the taxi unconscious.”

An area was cordoned off (Image: Phil Taylor)

Cllr Ayyub Patel, of Rumworth, said he is monitoring the situation throughout Sunday and advised members of the community to avoid speculation.

He said: “There are rumours circulating that this was linked to a police chase.

“I’ve spoken directly with officers, and they have confirmed that no police or other authorities were involved.  

Emergency services clearing the scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

“This was an unfortunate and very serious incident, with fatalities and a number of injuries.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected, and my thoughts are with all those impacted.  

“This remains an active investigation.

“Once the authorities have concluded their work, they will speak directly with the affected families.

“I would ask everyone to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to take its proper course.”

Cllr Rabiya Jiva, council cabinet member for stronger communities, which includes policing and public safety, said she and Cllr Patel would work together to support the community at this time.

She said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with those involved and my condolences go out to the families.

“I would urge members of the community to let the police continue with doing their jobs and if they have any further concerns they would like to raise then to please get in touch with their local councillors.”

Police officers remained at the scene throughout Sunday morning as the area was cleared of wrecked cars and debris.

Anyone with any information or footage can call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit directly on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 111 of January 11.

Alternatively, members of the public can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.