BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay opened Monday's programme with the sombre task of informing viewers about a devastating road collision in Bolton that claimed four lives over the weekend.
Heartbreaking Announcement on Live TV
Moments into the broadcast on Monday, 12th January 2026, Kay delivered the tragic update following a segment on employment. He confirmed that three teenagers and a taxi driver had lost their lives in a head-on crash in Greater Manchester. The victims were named locally, with the Bolton Council of Mosques identifying the three young men as Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, Farhan Patel, and Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, all aged between 18 and 19.
The fourth victim was named as Mosrab Ali, believed to be the taxi driver involved. According to Greater Manchester Police, the collision involved a dark Citroen, driven by the taxi driver, and a red Seat carrying the three young men. Five other individuals sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Emergency Services Describe 'Challenging Scene'
Chief Inspector Helen McCormack of Greater Manchester Police addressed the media from the scene on Wigan Road in Bolton on Sunday afternoon. She praised the efforts of the emergency services while acknowledging the profound tragedy.
"This was a devastating incident for all those involved, none more so than the families of the deceased," stated Chief Inspector McCormack. "This was a particularly challenging scene for colleagues in the emergency services... I want to thank first responders... for all their hard work through the night and into today."
She emphasised that the crash served as a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety, noting that while serious collisions in Bolton have reduced, "one incident is one too many."
Fire Crews Worked to Free Casualties
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service reported that they were called to the scene at around 12.50am on Sunday. Three fire engines and a technical response unit attended the crash.
Firefighters used cutting equipment to extricate people from the vehicles before handing them over to the care of the North West Ambulance Service. Crews remained at the location for approximately two hours, working to make the area safe.
The community in Bolton is now coming to terms with the loss, as police continue their investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision.
