Three dead as car hits sub-station

The car was the only vehicle involved in the crash

Three people were killed when a car burst into flames after hitting an electricity sub-station in Bolton, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday.

The car collided with a bus shelter, on the A666 Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge, just before it hit the sub-station at about 0230 GMT.

Police said the car was virtually unrecognisable, but later confirmed it was a Porsche 944.

Police in Bolton said they were trying to trace the drivers and occupants of two cars, which were seen close to the crash scene soon afterwards.

'Horrific' deaths

Power firm United Utilities said up to 300 homes were likely to lose their electricity later on Tuesday morning, as building inspectors examined the sub station.

Emergency crews remained at the scene for more than six hours.

Sergeant Barry Fairclough, of Bolton Traffic Unit, said that in eight years with the division it was the worst crash he has seen.

He told BBC GMR: "This has got to rate has one of the [worst] by virtue of the fact three people have lost their lives in such a horrific manner."

Cars u-turned

Mr Fairclough said he did not believe the drivers and passengers of a dark green Vauxhall Vectra and a dark coloured Ford Mondeo were involved in the crash.

He said: "They were just seen to be travelling in the same direction as the Porsche at the time.

"They passed the scene of the accident and were seen to do a u-turn and stopped nearby. It is possible they may have seen something vital."

The A666 was closed by police because of the crash, but Greater Manchester Police said it was re-opened just before 0800 GMT.