Four dead and five people injured after taxi and car crash in early hours of this morning

4 people died and 5 people were injured when a taxi and another car collided early this morning.

The collision, involving a Citroen Picasso private hire car and a Seat Leon, occurred on Wigan Road in Bolton, Greater Manchester, at around 12.45am.

Residents reported hearing a ‘very loud explosion’ and seeing emergency services performing CPR on injured passengers on the side of the road.

Both drivers and two passengers traveling in the vehicle with red seats died.

The other 5 passengers who were taken to the hospital were treated.

A large cordon remained in place on the road today as officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit launched an investigation.

Photographs of both vehicles being removed from the scene showed that the vehicles were heavily damaged, with the front end of one of the cars almost completely destroyed.

However, rumors circulating on social media that the accident was the result of a police chase were quickly refuted by local politicians.

The scene on Wigan Road, Bolton, where emergency services are dealing with a serious road traffic accident

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

Another photo showed Picasso’s smashed hood and engine as he was loaded onto a recovery truck

Councilor Ayyub Patel, who represents the Rumworth ward, said: ‘I have spoken directly to officers who have confirmed there were no police or other authorities involved.

‘This was an unfortunate and very sad incident, resulting in deaths and many injuries.

‘I send my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected and my thoughts are with all those affected.

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

One of the residents said: ‘I can’t believe it. I heard the loudest explosion and saw them performing CPR on the person who had been in a car accident.

‘I saw the taxi driver’s passenger, a woman getting out of the taxi and two more people unconscious in the taxi.’

Another described the scene as ‘a complete mess’.

A spokesman for GMP said: ‘At around 12.45pm officers attended Wigan Road in Bolton where a red Seat Leon was traveling along the road and collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso.

‘The seat driver and two passengers tragically died following the collision.

‘Unfortunately, it was announced that the Citroen driver died at the scene.

‘5 injured passengers were taken to hospital and treated.

‘The scene remains at this time as officers continue their investigations.’

Officers appealed to Seat before the collision for anyone who witnessed the crash itself or anyone who has dashcam or CCTV of the incident to contact them directly on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 111. or you can contact us anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.