A devastating collision between a car and a taxi in the early hours of Sunday morning has left four people dead and five others injured in Bolton.
Details of the Fatal Collision
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that a red Seat Leon and a Citroen C4 Picasso collided on Wigan Road, Bolton, at around 12:45am on Sunday, 11 January 2026. The force stated that the driver of the Seat and two of its passengers, along with the driver of the Citroen, all lost their lives in the impact. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency services, including three fire engines and a technical response unit from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, were called to the location at approximately 12:50am. Firefighters worked swiftly to make the area safe and used specialist cutting equipment to extricate casualties from the wreckage.
Five injured passengers were taken to hospital for treatment. North West Ambulance Service cared for the wounded at the scene before transporting them. Police assisted with cordoning off the area, and crews remained in attendance for about two hours.
Community Reaction and Investigation
The local community has been left reeling by the tragedy. Councillor Ayyub Patel of Bolton Council described the event as an "incredibly tragic incident" that has left the community "devastated." He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.
Cllr Patel urged residents to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to proceed properly, noting that people "will need time to process and recover from such a profound loss."
Appeal for Witnesses
GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) has launched a full inquiry and is urging any witnesses to come forward. Officers are particularly keen to obtain any dashcam footage or CCTV that may have captured the moments leading up to or following the crash. A scene remains in place on Wigan Road as investigators continue their work to establish the exact circumstances of the collision.
