Three youngsters amongst 4 killed in crash between taxi and automobile in Bolton

On Jan 11, 2026

Three teens were among the four killed in the horror crash between a taxi and car in the early hours of this morning.

A key route through Bolton remains closed this morning following a devastating crash in the early hours that claimed four lives. Police have set up an extensive cordon along Wigan Road in Deane after the collision took place at approximately 12.45am.

Images from the scene show extensively damaged vehicles with debris strewn across the carriageway. An additional five people have been rushed to hospital following the crash between a car and a taxi. Greater Manchester Police’s serious collision investigation unit is currently examining the scene.

A police car is parked on a street, cordoned off with a yellow barrier tape, during nighttime with various buildings and streetlights visible in the background. — Police at the scene
(Image: Phil Taylor / SWNS)

The road has been sealed off in both directions from Deane Church Lane to Bankfield Street, according to the Manchester Evening News.

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

“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.

A tow truck is transporting a severely damaged vehicle on a roadway, with its emergency lights activated, suggesting an incident has occurred. — Clean-up underway
(Image: Manchester Evening News)

“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.

“You can contact the SCIU directly on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 111 of 11/01/2025. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Officers have verified that three of the four fatalities were teenagers. Two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man perished in a Seat vehicle, whilst the motorist of the second car, a Citroën C4 Picasso – a man in his 50s – also lost his life in the smash.

Local councillor Ayyub Patel expressed being ‘deeply saddened’ by the ‘serious incident’.

An image depicting a police vehicle parked on a wet road with traffic cones and a stop sign in the foreground, trees and a distant building visible in the background. — Five more were rushed to hospital

He continued: “I want to express my gratitude to the emergency services for their swift and professional response in such difficult circumstances.

“Our community will stand together in support and we will await further updates from the authorities.”

Two severely mangled motors have been photographed at the location.

Recovery operations are in progress, with one motor spotted being loaded onto a recovery lorry.

Approximately 200m of Wigan Road remains shut.

A witness told journalists: “They have recovered both vehicles now. One of the cars was taken away earlier and the other is being taken away now. It is an absolute mess.”