A mother whose son was tragically killed in an e-scooter crash on a road in Wythenshawe has spoken out after another man lost his life on the same stretch of road. Carly Calland, 14-year-old Jacob's mother, expressed her anguish following the latest fatal incident on Southmoor Road.
Police and paramedics were called to Southmoor Road in Wythenshawe on May 22 following a collision between a car and a motorbike. The rider of a Peugeot Speedflight scooter, a man in his 20s, later died in hospital the following day. A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail as investigations continue.
This is at least the second fatality on the same road since March last year. Pictures from the recent scene showed a heavy police and emergency response, with Serious Collision Officers also investigating.
Mother's campaign for safer roads
Carly Calland, whose son Jacob tragically lost his life in an e-scooter crash aged 14 last March, has now spoken to the M.E.N about her fears for the stretch of road in south Manchester where there are regular 'near misses'. Jacob made a split-second decision to get on the back of another boy's scooter and paid with his life.
The mum previously told of how her son suffered a serious head injury in the smash with a car, receiving urgent life-saving treatment from paramedics at the scene before being rushed to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. His condition deteriorated, and he tragically died eight days later on March 27, 2025.
Carly previously said: "I got to the scene and it was breathtaking. It's the only word I can use. It was breathtaking. It's only things you see in the movies. That's your life, changing that quickly."
Following his tragic death, Carly launched a public campaign named Jacob's Journey to raise awareness about the dangers of riding e-scooters and calling for a change in regulations. She is now also calling on ministers to tackle concerns about Southmoor Road, a busy stretch with multiple crossings and tram lines.
She has written to MP Mike Kane raising her concerns, adding that many of the incidents are 'completely avoidable'. Her letter included issues with junctions with limited visibility and unclear road markings.
Heartbreaking impact of repeated tragedies
"Jacob was killed following a collision in March 2025," she told the M.E.N on Sunday, June 7. "Since then there have been several road accidents on the same stretch of road with at least two other fatalities. It's a worrying trend.
"Each time I hear there's been an accident, it takes me right back to the day of Jacob's collision. It makes me sick to think that another family will be getting the traumatic news that their loved one was involved in an accident, just like I did with Jacob.
"The fact that there are two sets of tributes on the same road - one for Jacob and one for the fatal accident two weeks ago, is just awful.
"I know that some of these incidents were genuine accidents but some were completely avoidable. Jacob should never have been out on his friend's scooter that day and that stupid decision ultimately cost him his life.
"I would hope that the number of accidents on the same road makes all road users think carefully about their actions. Trying to get somewhere a few seconds quicker or enjoying the thrill of speeding or doing something illegal on the road just isn't worth yours or someone else's life."
Raising concerns about the main road where there are regular 'near misses' and youths still riding e-scooters, she added: "Southmoor Road and Altrincham Road are high traffic areas, with tram lines and stops, several traffic light junctions, big supermarkets and a school.
"I've seen lots of near-miss accidents in several parts of the area. I've contacted our MP Mike Kane raising my concerns. Whilst the purpose of Jacob's Journey is campaigning around e-scooter use, we ultimately want safer roads for everyone, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
"I'm still shocked to see people illegally using e-scooters around the local area, including children, particularly as the weather has become warmer. Parents need to know that e-scooters are not toys, they are motorised vehicles.
"Children don't know the rules of the road and their ability to assess risk is still developing. If you're allowing your child out on an e-scooter, you're playing Russian roulette with their life. Their life can be gone in an instant. I hope parents listen to Jacob's story because I don't want any other family to go through what I've been through."
Police appeal for witnesses
Greater Manchester Police are still appealing for witnesses of the fatal May 22 crash to come forward. They are keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV footage, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log number 4300 of the 22/05/2026. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
