In a tragic accident early today, four individuals lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries in a collision involving a taxi and another vehicle.

The incident unfolded shortly after midnight, around 12:45 am, on Wigan Road in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The crash involved a Citroen Picasso, functioning as a private hire vehicle, and a Seat Leon.

Local residents described hearing an ‘extremely loud bang’ and witnessing emergency responders administering CPR to those injured, right there on the roadside.

Sadly, both drivers perished in the crash, along with two passengers who were inside the red Seat.

Authorities have revealed that those who died include three teenagers, aged between 18 and 19, and a man in his 50s, who is believed to be the taxi driver. However, they noted that formal identification is still pending.

Five additional passengers were rushed to the hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.

Today a large cordon remained in place as officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit launched an inquiry.

Pictures of both vehicles being removed from the scene revealed they had been left badly damaged, with the front end of one of the cars all but destroyed. 

Rumours circulating on social media that the crash was the result of a police chase, however, were quickly debunked by local politicians.

The Citroen Picasso, removed from the scene on Wigan Road, Bolton, this morning was very badly damaged in the crash

The scene at Wigan Road, Bolton where emergency services have been dealing with a serious road traffic accident

Four people died and five others were injured in the accident in Bolton just before 1am this morning

Another image showed the mangled bonnet and engine of the Picasso as it was loaded onto a recovery truck

Councillor Ayyub Patel, who represents Rumworth ward, said: ‘I have spoken directly with officers, who have confirmed that no police or other authorities were involved.

‘This was an unfortunate and deeply distressing incident, resulting in fatalities and a number of injuries.

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

‘I ask the community to allow the investigation to proceed and to avoid speculation during this difficult time.’

One local said: ‘I can’t believe it. I heard the loudest bang and I saw them doing CPR on the person who was in the car accident.

‘I saw the taxi driver’s passenger, a woman get out the taxi and there were two other people who were in the taxi unconscious.’

Another described the scene as ‘an absolute mess.’ 

A spokesman for GMP said: ‘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 scene is still in place at this time as officers continue their investigation.’

Officers appealed for anyone who witnessed the Seat before the collision, the crash itself or anyone with dashcam or CCTV of the incident to get in touch directly on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 111, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.