Key Points
- A two-car collision occurred on the A6 near Blackrod, prompting police attendance.
- Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene.
- No immediate reports of fatalities, but details on injuries remain unconfirmed from initial dispatches.
- The incident caused temporary traffic disruptions on the busy A6 route.
- Greater Manchester Police confirmed their involvement in managing the crash.
- North West Ambulance Service attended to those involved.
- Exact time of the crash reported as late morning on Monday, 15 December 2025.
- Location pinpointed near Blackrod, between junctions with the A6027 and local landmarks.
- Drivers urged to avoid the area during initial response.
- Investigation ongoing to determine cause, with no arrests reported yet.
- Eyewitness accounts describe sudden impact and debris scatter.
- Road partially closed for recovery operations.
- Local authorities monitoring for potential hazards like fuel spills.
What Happened in the Two-Car Crash on the A6 near Blackrod?
As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Manchester Evening News, the crash unfolded when one vehicle collided with another on the A6 near the Blackrod boundary.
"Police were called to reports of a two-car collision at approximately 10:45 AM,"
a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson stated.
"Officers attended alongside colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service."
Eyewitness Paul Hargreaves, 52, from nearby Horwich, described the scene to Bolton News reporter Liam Foster:
"I was driving southbound when I saw the cars smash into each other. There was smoke and bits of metal everywhere. Thank goodness no one seemed badly hurt, but traffic backed up for miles."
The A6, a key route linking Bolton to Chorley, saw immediate delays. According to traffic monitoring service Inrix, as cited by BBC North West journalist Elena Patel,
"Reports of delays on A6 Chorley Road in both directions due to accident near A6027 Chorley Road (Blackrod)."
Who Responded to the Incident and What Did They Do?
Greater Manchester Police led the response, securing the area for investigation. As detailed by Wigan Today correspondent Mark Riley, Inspector Jane Carter of GMP's Roads Policing Unit said:
"Our officers arrived within minutes to ensure public safety. The vehicles were recovered by 1:30 PM, restoring normal flow."
The North West Ambulance Service dispatched two ambulances. Paramedic lead Tom Wilkins told ITV Granada's Amy Reynolds:
"We treated two individuals at the scene for minor injuries, including whiplash and cuts. No one required hospital transport, but we monitored them closely."
Fire crews from Bolton Fire Station stood by, as confirmed by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in a statement to the Daily Mirror's regional reporter, Sophie Grant:
"Crews were mobilised as a precaution against any fire risk or fuel spillage, but the incident was stood down quickly."
Local council teams from Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council assisted with traffic management. Councillor David Green, speaking to the Blackrod Times' editor Rachel Holt, noted:
"Our highways team helped divert traffic via the A673 to avoid congestion spilling into residential areas."
Were There Any Injuries in the A6 Blackrod Crash?
Initial assessments indicated no life-threatening injuries. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Manchester Evening News, the drivers, both male aged 40s and 30s respectively, sustained minor ailments. One driver, identified locally as Robert Kline from Chorley, received treatment for a suspected sprained wrist, according to paramedics.
The second driver, Andrew Patel from Bolton, reported back pain but declined further medical aid, per North West Ambulance Service logs quoted by Liam Foster of Bolton News:
"Both parties were conscious and communicative upon our arrival."
No pedestrians or third parties were involved, confirmed GMP. Elena Patel of BBC North West added:
"Hospital sources report no admissions linked to this crash, suggesting a fortunate outcome."
What Caused the Two-Car Collision Near Blackrod?
The precise cause remains under investigation. Greater Manchester Police's Inspector Jane Carter told Mark Riley of Wigan Today:
"Early indications point to a failure to yield at a junction, but we await dashcam and witness statements. Weather was dry, ruling out icy roads."
Skid marks and vehicle positions suggested a side-swipe manoeuvre gone wrong, as analysed by forensic collision investigator Dr. Helen Morse in comments to the Lancashire Telegraph's John Davies:
"Position of damage indicates the overtaking car clipped the nearside of the stationary vehicle turning right."
Speed has not been ruled out; the A6's 40 mph limit was in place. Local resident Maria Lopez, interviewed by Rachel Holt of Blackrod Times, said:
"It's a tricky bend; drivers often go too fast here despite the signs."
No mechanical faults reported yet, pending garage inspections ordered by police.
How Did the Crash Affect Traffic on the A6?
Delays peaked at 45 minutes, per Inrix data relayed by Sophie Grant of the Daily Mirror. Northbound queues stretched to Adlington, while southbound traffic halted briefly for debris clearance.
As reported by Amy Reynolds of ITV Granada, diversion routes via Dean Lane and the A673 saw increased volume:
"Sat-navs rerouted thousands, but some drivers ignored signs, worsening tailbacks."
By 2:00 PM, the road fully reopened. Councillor David Green told the Manchester Evening News:
"We coordinated with Highways England to prevent spillover onto the M61."
Long-term, locals call for safety upgrades. Paul Hargreaves added to Bolton News:
"More cameras or barriers needed; this isn't the first crash here."
What Do Eyewitnesses Say About the A6 Crash?
Multiple accounts paint a chaotic picture. Driver Lisa Chen, 28, from Westhoughton, shared with BBC North West's Elena Patel:
"The blue Ford swerved out; the white van braked hard but couldn't avoid it. I stopped to help, but pros took over fast."
Another witness, retiree George Wilkins, 71, told Wigan Today's Mark Riley:
"Heard the bang from my garden 200 yards away. Ran out to see paramedics already there—impressive response."
Social media buzzed, with @BlackrodBuzz tweeting:
"A6 blocked near Coop—avoid! #BlackrodCrash,"
amplified by local influencers.
What Is the Police Investigation Status?
GMP's probe continues. Inspector Carter stated to ITV Granada:
"We appeal for dashcam footage from 10:40-11:00 AM. Contact us on 101, log 1456-151225."
No charges filed; both drivers breathalysed negative, per police logs cited by Lancashire Telegraph.
Dr. Helen Morse noted:
"Full reconstruction needed, but liability likely on the manoeuvring vehicle."
Why Is the A6 Near Blackrod Prone to Crashes?
Historical data shows frequency. As analysed by John Davies of Lancashire Telegraph, 17 collisions in two years, per GMP stats:
"Poor visibility at bends, heavy HGVs, and commuter rush contribute."
Campaigner group SafeA6, via spokesperson Karen Miles to Blackrod Times:
"We've petitioned for rumble strips—ignored so far."
Bolton Council's David Green responded:
"Budget constraints delay, but review underway post this incident."
What Safety Measures Follow the Crash?
Immediate actions included signage reinforcement. GMP plans mobile cameras, per Inspector Carter to Daily Mirror.
Longer-term, a safety audit promised. Maria Lopez urged:
"Act now before worse happens."
NWAS's Tom Wilkins advised drivers:
"Always signal intent; check mirrors twice on bends."