Hundreds pay their respects at funerals of young men killed in tragic crash

Four people were killed and another five injured after when a Seat Leon and a Citroen Picasso collided on Wigan Road in the early hours of Sunday January 11.

The three young men who died, Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19, Farhan Patel, 18 and Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18, were laid to rest on Tuesday.

Around 1,500 mourners gathered at Zakariyya Jaam’e Masjid on Derby Street, Deane, to pay their respects.

Rumworth’s Cllr Sajid Ali, who attended the funeral, said: “It was devastating for everyone, we met with a couple of the families there and obviously it’s a very, very hard time for families, especially the mothers when a young person dies.

“So give them our condolences and all the support they need.

Prayers were held at Zakariyya Jaam’e Masjid (Image: Public)

“We also had a meeting with GMP and hopefully now they will take immediate action and also look at long time solutions for Wigan Road and St Helens Road.

“But for now all our condolences and our thoughts are with the families.”

The tragic events of Sunday sent shockwaves through Bolton and beyond, with floral tributes having been left at the scene.

Condolences have been given to the those affected from all over the community.

Cllr Ayyub Patel, of Rumworth, said: “The funerals for all those who tragically lost their lives have now taken place, and our whole community continues to grieve alongside the families.

“Their loss is immeasurable, and no words can truly capture the depth of their pain.  

People from across the community came to pay their respects (Image: Public)

“My thoughts and prayers remain with each of the families as they begin the long and difficult journey of healing.

“I hope they are surrounded by strength, compassion, and the support of loved ones in the days and months ahead.  

“Bolton stands with them in their sorrow, and we hold their loved ones in our hearts.”

Taxi driver Masrob Ali, 54, had been driving the Citroen Picasso and was laid to rest as hundreds attended the Masjid-e-Sajedeen in Blackburn for funeral prayers on Wednesday.

In life Mr Ali had attended the Masjid Al-Momineen near his home on in Ash Street, but prayers were held at the larger mosque to accommodate the number of people coming to the funeral.

Four of Mr Ali’s passengers were taken to hospital after the crash along with another young man who had been travelling in the Seat Leon.

Bolton Council cabinet member for stronger communities Cllr Rabiya Jiva said: “We want to again pay our respects after what has been a tragedy.

“We would continue to urge people please not to speculate, but to know that we are still united as a community to tackle this issue.

“If you require any further support then please get in touch with their local councillors.”

Although the cause of the crash is still under investigation, it has prompted a discussion about being safe on the roads.

She added: “It is very important that we continue to educate the youths on the importance of safe driving and if any young person would like to engage with me then my door is always open.

“This is something that is not political, it is about the safety of everyone in our community.”

Source – INDIA TV