News Beat
Hundreds at funeral of taxi driver killed in Bolton crash
Taxi driver Masrob Ali, of Ash Street, died when his Citroen C4 Picasso was in a collision with a Seat Leon in Wigan Road, Bolton, at 12.44am on Sunday, January 11.
The Janazah (funeral) prayers were held at the Masjid-e-Sajedeen in Plane Street close to where Mr Ali lived.
Whilst Mr Ali, 54, attended the Masjid Al-Momineen in Ash Street, prayers were held at the larger mosque nearby to accommodate the number of people wishing to attend the funeral.
Hundreds took part in afternoon prayers in the main hall, with funeral prayers performed on the ground floor of the mosque. Young members of the family were asked to take up space at the front of the congregation, as is tradition.
Those unable to get into the hall thronged the corridors of the mosque.
At the short service, the imam paid respects to the deceased calling the moment one of ‘grief and sorrow’. People were also reminded of the sanctity of life itself and were asked to pray for the family of Mr Ali.
In a sombre moment, the coffin was brought out for its final journey to the Olive Section at Pleasington Cemetery for burial.
In Bolton, the three young men who died – Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19, Farhan Patel, 18 and Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18 – were buried on Tuesday.
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Five people, including four of Mr Ali’s passengers, were injured in the crash, with one, a 29-year-old woman, suffering potentially life-threatening injuries.
A 28-year-old woman and a man, 30, suffered serious injuries, and a 29-year-old man has minor injuries.
An 18-year-old man, who was a passenger in the Seat, remains in hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Mr Ali grew up in Blackburn after coming to the UK from Bangladesh in the early 80s. He had two daughters and two sons, the youngest who is 13.
Mr Ali was a regular at the Masjid Al-Momineen in Ash Street.
A mosque spokesperson said: “He was a familiar and comforting presence in our mosque – a man of few words, but immense character.
“Quiet by nature, he spoke only when something truly needed to be said. Those who knew him will remember his calm manner, his humility, and the sincerity with which he carried himself.
“His regular attendance and steady devotion were a quiet inspiration to many.
“He leaves behind a space that feels noticeably emptier, and a community that will miss him more than words can express.”
Family, friends and local councillors have paid tribute to Mr Ali this week, who was described as a ‘wonderful and kind’ human being.
In further tributes, ward councillor Gulistan Rana Khan said: “I am deeply saddened and heart-broken by the tragic loss of life.
“This was a needless and devastating incident, and my thoughts and duas are with the family, friends, and loved ones
“He was a hard-working man, and his passing has left a profound sense of grief across our community. No family should have to endure such pain, especially when it arises from something that is entirely preventable.”
