Hundreds of mourners gathered in Bolton this week to pay their respects to three teenagers and a taxi driver who died in a devastating head-on collision. The community came together in a profound show of grief following the tragic incident on Wigan Road.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 11 January 2026, at approximately 12.45am. A red Seat Leon, carrying three young men, collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi. The teenagers in the Seat Leon were Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18, Farhan Patel, 18, and Mohammed Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19. The taxi driver was named as 54-year-old Masrob Ali. All four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Community Mourns at Emotional Funeral
On the afternoon of Tuesday, 13 January, a joint funeral service was held for the three teenagers at Bolton Central Mosque. Reports indicate that hundreds of people attended to offer their condolences and support to the grieving families. The service was announced via the Janaza Announcements Facebook page, highlighting the deep impact of the loss on the local community.
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
Detective Inspector Andrew Page of Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry. He stated that work is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the "terrible incident". The scene was closed by Sunday evening, but investigators continue to appeal for information.
DI Page issued a specific warning to the public regarding social media, urging people to be mindful of sharing any footage of the crash. "Sharing such footage could constitute a criminal offence," he said, emphasising the additional distress it could cause the families involved.
He also praised the rapid response of emergency services, including colleagues from GMP's Bolton district, the Road Policing Unit, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and the North West Ambulance Service.
How to Assist the Investigation
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from:
- Witnesses who saw the vehicles before the collision.
- Anyone who witnessed the incident itself.
- Individuals or businesses with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time.
Information can be shared directly with GMP by calling 0161 856 4741 and quoting log number 111 of 11/01/2026. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
