Key Points
- Two women, aged 57 and 59, were killed after being struck by a car in Bolton early Monday morning.
- The collision occurred at around 7.40am on 22 December 2025 at the junction of Scout Road, Smithills Dean Road, Colliers Row Road, and Coal Pit Road.
- A 19-year-old man driving a VW Polo has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
- Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene following the incident.
- Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have appealed for witnesses, dashcam footage, and further information.
- Roads in the surrounding area remained closed for several hours as investigations continued.
- Emergency services, including paramedics and fire crews, responded to the crash.
- Local residents and councillors have expressed shock and called for road safety reviews in the area.
- The Serious Collision Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry.
What happened in Bolton on Monday morning?
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), officers were called to reports of a serious collision at approximately 7.42am on Monday, 22 December 2025. Emergency services arrived to find two women, aged 57 and 59, critically injured after being struck by a silver VW Polo.
Both women were pronounced dead at the scene despite the rapid efforts of paramedics and first responders. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
As reported by The Manchester Evening News (MEN) journalist Sophie Halle-Richards, a GMP spokesperson confirmed:
“At around 7.42am this morning (Monday 22 December 2025), we were called to reports of a collision at the junctions of Scout Road, Smithills Dean Road, Colliers Row Road and Coal Pit Road. Officers attended and found that two women, aged 57 and 59, had suffered serious injuries as a result of being struck by a car. Sadly, both were pronounced dead at the scene.”
Who has been arrested in connection with the crash?
According to Sky News, the driver of the VW Polo, a 19-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody for questioning as of Monday evening.
Quoting a GMP update shared with ITV News Granada Reports, an investigating officer said:
“The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing two deaths by dangerous driving. He remains in custody for questioning while enquiries continue.”
How are police investigating the fatal collision?
The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) of Greater Manchester Police is currently leading the investigation. Officers spent much of Monday conducting forensic work at the scene, collecting evidence, and mapping the area for collision analysis.
As reported by BBC North West, DS Louise Warhurst from GMP’s SCIU stated:
“Our thoughts are with the families of the two women who tragically lost their lives. We are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have seen the collision or has dashcam footage from the area prior to the incident to please come forward. Your information could be vital to our investigation.”
She added that road closures would remain in place for several hours to allow for a thorough examination and urged motorists to avoid the area where possible.
What was the local response to the tragedy?
Local residents and community figures expressed shock and sadness at the news of the fatal crash. Speaking to The Bolton News, resident Kelly Mason, who lives close to the junction, said:
“It’s heartbreaking. Traffic flies down these roads every morning, especially with people heading to work. Something needs to be done before more lives are lost.”
Local councillor Andrew Snowdon expressed condolences to the victims’ families, telling The Guardian:
“This is an awful incident that has devastated our community. We will be looking closely with local authorities and police at measures to improve road safety at this junction.”
Flowers and tributes began to appear near the crash site on Monday afternoon, as members of the community came together to mourn the two women.
Has the area seen similar accidents before?
Several news outlets have highlighted previous concerns about speeding and poor visibility on Scout Road and the surrounding area. According to MEN archives, residents have previously petitioned for improved signage, better lighting, and additional speed restrictions in the vicinity of Smithills Dean Road and Coal Pit Road.
Local resident Peter Lomas told ITV News:
“We’ve been warning the council for years that this junction is dangerous, especially in bad weather. Sadly, it often takes tragedies like this before action is taken.”
Bolton Council has confirmed it is reviewing previous concerns raised by residents in light of the latest accident. A spokesperson said the council would
“work closely with police to determine whether additional road safety measures are appropriate in the area.”
What have emergency services and officials said?
An official GMP statement, shared via their verified social media account, read:
“At around 7.42am on Monday, 22 December 2025, officers were called to reports of a collision involving a car and two pedestrians in Bolton. Sadly, both pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene. A 19-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Investigations are ongoing.”
In a comment reported by Sky News, a spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service added:
“We were called at 7.42am to reports of a road traffic collision. We attended with multiple response units and an air ambulance was also dispatched. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, both patients were declared dead at the scene.”
Bolton Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed their attendance, saying crews were called to assist in making the vehicle safe after the collision.
What’s next in the investigation?
Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage who may have been in the area between 7.15am and 7.45am on Monday. Information can be shared via the GMP website or anonymously through Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111.
Detectives are working to piece together the circumstances that led to the collision, including road conditions, vehicle speed, and visibility at the time.
As reported by BBC News, officers have not yet released the names of the victims, pending formal identification and family consent.
Has the driver been charged?
As of Monday night, the 19-year-old driver remained in custody. No formal charges had yet been announced, with police confirming interviews were ongoing. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will determine whether charges are appropriate once GMP concludes its preliminary inquiry.
How has the community reacted online?
Social media platforms saw an outpouring of grief and support following news of the tragedy. On local Facebook groups, residents shared condolences and called for greater enforcement of road safety laws.
One post on Bolton Community Connect, shared by resident Emma Crossley, read:
“It’s so terribly sad. Two lives gone just like that. Thinking of their families this Christmas — no one should have to face this.”
Another user tagged local councillors urging “immediate safety reviews” of the affected junctions.
Will the roads re-open soon?
As of late Monday, traffic management teams confirmed that road closures at the junction of Scout Road, Smithills Dean Road, Colliers Row Road, and Coal Pit Road were expected to remain in place overnight while forensic and clean-up operations concluded.
Motorists were advised to plan alternative routes via Moss Bank Way and Halliwell Road, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).