Five others have been rushed to hospital following the horror smash in Bolton, Greater Manchester, in the early hours this morning.
The crash – involving a red Seat Leon and a Citroen C4 Picasso – took place on Wigan Road in Deane at 12:45am.
Both drivers were killed and two passengers travelling in the Seat were also fatally injured – as residents recalled hearing a “loud bang”.
Shocking footage from a nearby home shows the head-on collision between the two cars on the quiet residential road.
Greater Manchester Police said the victims are believed to be three teens aged 18-19 years-old and a male taxi driver in his 50s.
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The force confirmed formal identification has not yet taken place.
However the victims have been named locally by the Bolton Council of Mosques as Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, Farhan Patel, Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar.
Mosrab Ali, of Blackburn, was also named locally and is believed to be the taxi driver.
A spokesperson from BCoM’s executive team confirmed it is closely supporting the affected families.
Five injured passengers have also been rushed to hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Emergency services – including fire engines and a technical response unit – were called to the scene.
A tactical aid unit was spotted at the scene along with a recovery vehicle.
Traffic reporting service Inrix described the incident as a “serious accident”.
It reported the road was closed in both directions from Deane Church Lane to Bankfield Street.
One local resident who saw the aftermath of the accident told The Bolton News: “I can’t believe it.
“I heard the loudest bang and I seen them doing CPR on the person who was in the car accident.”
He added: “I seen the taxi driver’s passenger, a woman get out the taxi and there were two other people who was in the taxi unconscious.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three fire engines and a technical response unit were scrambled.
Cllr Ayyub Patel said people have lost their 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.
“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.”
Cllr Rabiya Jiva, council cabinet member for stronger communities, called on locals with any concerns to get in touch with police.
He said: “Firstly my thoughts are with those involved and my condolences go out to the families.
“I would urge members of the community to let the police continue with doing there jobs…
“If they have any further concerns they would like to raise then toplease get in touch with their local councillors.”
The Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) has appealed for information and witnesses to come forward.
This includes anyone who saw the vehicle driving before the collision.