Four killed, five injured in deadly head-on crash on Bolton’s Wigan road

A Bolton head-on crash has left four people dead and five others injured after a violent collision between a taxi and a private car on Wigan Road, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The fatal crash happened at around 00:45 GMT, shocking residents as emergency services rushed to the scene in the early hours of the morning.

Teenagers and taxi driver among the dead

Police confirmed that three teenagers aged 18, 18, and 19 died at the scene. They were travelling in a red Seat Leon, which police believe collided head-on with a Citroën C4 Picasso taxi.

The taxi driver, a man in his 50s, also lost his life in the crash. Officers have not yet formally identified the victims, and police have informed their families.

Five victims rushed to hospital

Emergency responders took five injured passengers to hospital, where doctors continue to treat them. Police have not released further details about the severity of their injuries.

According to GMP, investigators are still working to establish the exact cause of the Bolton head-on crash.

Community left in shock

Ayyub Patel, a councillor for Rumworth ward, said the tragedy devastated the local community.

“People woke up to extremely sad news. Families are heartbroken, and the entire community feels the pain,” he told BBC Radio Manchester.

He added that sudden loss hits families harder because it comes without warning.

Emergency services describe rescue efforts

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews arrived shortly before 1:00am, deploying three fire engines and a technical response unit.

Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to free victims trapped inside the vehicles before handing them over to the North West Ambulance Service. Police cordoned off Wigan Road for several hours during rescue and investigation efforts.

Police Appeal for Information

Greater Manchester Police have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area to come forward.

Road safety experts warn that head-on collisions remain among the deadliest types of crashes in the UK, often linked to speed, fatigue, or loss of control. Local authorities continue to urge drivers to remain cautious, especially during late-night hours