View 3 Images

A badly damaged vehicle is removed from the scene of the crash in Wigan Road, Bolton(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Four people, including three teenagers, have died in an early-morning crash which also left five others injured. The horror collision, which is understood to have involved a car and a taxi, also claimed the life of a man in his 50s.

Emergency crews are still working at the scene of the crash, which happened on Wigan Road in Deane, Bolton, at around 12.45am today. Police said a red Seat Leon was travelling down the road and collided with a Citroën C4 Picasso.

Two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man died in the Seat, Greater Manchester Police said. The man in his 50s, who was also killed in the crash, was the driver of the Citroën.

An appeal has been made for any witnesses, or anyone who may have captured footage around the time of the incident, to talk to police. A large police presence remains at the scene while the road is closed in both directions, reports the Mirror.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information and witnesses for further information following a fatal collision in the early hours of Sunday 11 January.

“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.

View 3 Images

Emergency crews worked through the early hours(Image: Manchester Evening News)

“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.

“The SCIU are urging anyone with information to please come forward. This includes anyone who saw the vehicle driving before the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or has dashcam/ CCTV footage of the incident.”

View 3 Images

The vehicles have been recovered from the scene(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Around a 200-metre stretch of Wigan Road remains closed after the crash. The badly-damaged vehicles have now been recovered from the scene.

An onlooker told reporters: “They have recovered both vehicles now. One of the cars was taken away earlier and the other is being taken away now. It is an absolute mess.”

Local councillor Ayyub Patel said he was “deeply saddened” by what he described as a “serious incident” that has claimed lives.

He said: “As a councillor for Rumworth, I am deeply saddened to hear about the serious incident on Wigan Road. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the persons who have tragically lost their lives and my thoughts are with everyone affected.

“I want to express my gratitude to the emergency services for their swift and professional response in such difficult circumstances. Our community will stand together in support and we will await further updates from the authorities.”