A community in Bolton is reeling and demanding urgent action after a horrific head-on collision claimed four lives, with residents warning that such tragedies are becoming a regular occurrence on a notorious stretch of road.
A Community 'Absolutely Broken' by Tragedy
The fatal crash happened in the early hours of Sunday morning on Wigan Road in Bolton, Greater Manchester. A red Seat Leon collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi, resulting in catastrophic consequences.
The taxi driver, Masrob Ali, 54, from Blackburn, was described by his grieving daughter as "the gentlest soul". Humayra Ali, 29, told the BBC the family was "absolutely devastated" and in a state of shock, remembering her father as a kind, generous, and hard-working man.
The three other victims were named as teenagers Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar and Farhan Patel, both 18, and Mohammed Danyaal, aged 19. Five other passengers from both vehicles were injured and remained in hospital as of Monday.
'Crashes Happen Every Couple of Months'
In the wake of the disaster, local residents have voiced their fury and fear, stating that serious accidents on Wigan Road are not isolated incidents. One long-term resident claimed collisions happen "every couple of months" on the residential street, which is home to primary schools.
The evidence of recent danger is stark. Just weeks before Sunday's tragedy, a car hit a wall only a few hundred yards from the fatal crash site. Debris, including a car bumper, and a partially collapsed wall near a school entrance, remain as a grim testament.
"I've lived here 25 years and the traffic problems are getting worse and worse," one resident said. "We need action to slow the traffic down." Another mother living opposite the crash site explained the road is a long, wide stretch with no measures to control speed, leading some drivers to accelerate unintentionally. "If they don't sort something out, I fear more lives will be lost," she warned.
Police Probe Shocking 122mph Social Media Video
Adding to the community's concerns, Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation into a video circulating on social media. The footage, reportedly filmed in the same area about 24 hours before the fatal crash, appears to show a car travelling at a staggering 122mph.
The vehicle is seen weaving dangerously through traffic, overtaking, and veering into the oncoming lane. While not directly linked to Sunday's collision, the video has intensified calls for a crackdown on reckless driving in the area.
The tragedy has left the Bolton community united in grief and in a desperate plea for change. As police continue their investigation into the specific circumstances of the crash, the overwhelming message from those who live on Wigan Road is clear: urgent safety interventions cannot wait any longer.
