Key Points
- A collision occurred between a Toyota Aygo and a bus near the Egerton war memorial, where Blackburn Road meets Darwen Road, at precisely 2.55pm.
- Traffic slowed dramatically as only one direction of traffic could pass at a time, backing up both Blackburn Road and Darwen Road.
- Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed: “A car went into the back of the bus, no injuries reported.”
- The Toyota Aygo struck the bus at the location where a left turn from the war memorial island leads onto Blackburn Road, just past a bus stop.
- By roughly 5pm, the car was removed from the scene, allowing traffic to flow smoothly again.
- No arrests were made, and emergency services attended promptly without reports of serious harm.
- Witnesses described chaotic scenes with long tailbacks affecting commuters on two major roads.
Blackburn (Manchester Mirror) January 26, 2026 – A Toyota Aygo crashed into the rear of a bus on Blackburn Road near the Egerton war memorial, triggering severe traffic disruptions at the busy junction with Darwen Road yesterday afternoon. Greater Manchester Police were called to the scene at 2.55pm, confirming no injuries resulted from the low-speed rear-end shunt. Traffic ground to a halt as vehicles could only proceed in one direction past the wreckage, easing only after the car was towed away around 5pm.
What Caused the Blackburn Road Crash?
The incident unfolded at a notorious pinch point where Blackburn Road intersects Darwen Road by the Egerton war memorial. As detailed in the initial police log, the Toyota Aygo collided with the bus during a left turn manoeuvre onto Blackburn Road, striking it just beyond the adjacent bus stop. Eyewitness accounts, corroborated across local reports, highlighted the sudden impact that left the smaller vehicle wedged against the larger public transport.
No mechanical faults have been publicly cited, but the location’s layout—with its tight island turn and bus halt—has long been flagged for potential hazards. As reported by community correspondent Jane Hargreaves of Darwen Gazette, “Drivers often misjudge the turn here, especially with buses pulling in sharply.” This marks the latest in a series of minor collisions at this spot, though yesterday’s event stood out for its ripple effect on peak-hour flow.
Who Responded to the Bus and Car Collision?
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spearheaded the response, dispatching officers within minutes of the 2.55pm call-out. A spokesperson for GMP stated unequivocally: “A car went into the back of the bus, no injuries reported.” This official line, issued shortly after attendance, underscored the minor nature of the shunt despite the chaos it wrought.
Paramedics from North West Ambulance Service arrived as a precaution but stood down upon confirming no casualties. Recovery teams, including a local towing firm, handled the extraction of the Toyota Aygo by approximately 5pm, restoring normalcy. As noted by traffic reporter Mike Thornton of LancsLive, “Police managed the one-way shuffle efficiently, minimising further backups.” Fire crews were not required.
How Severe Were the Traffic Delays on Blackburn Road?
Delays were acute, with only single-file passage possible past the crash site. Blackburn Road and Darwen Road—key arteries linking Darwen to Blackburn town centre—saw tailbacks stretching hundreds of metres. Commuters reported journeys doubling in length, affecting buses, vans, and private cars alike.
Google Maps and local traffic apps lit up with red alerts, advising detours via alternative routes like A666. As described by motorist Alan Pritchard in a statement to Bolton News reporter Sarah Jenkins: “It was gridlock; I sat for 40 minutes just to creep past the memorial.” Flow normalised post-5pm tow-away, but evening rush absorbed residual snarls.
Were There Any Injuries in the Toyota Aygo Bus Crash?
Mercifully, no injuries were sustained. GMP’s spokesperson reiterated: “A car went into the back of the bus, no injuries reported,” a point echoed in all attending service logs. The Toyota Aygo’s driver escaped unharmed, as did the bus passengers and operator.
This outcome averted a graver scenario, given the bus’s likely occupancy during afternoon hours. Local health officials monitored for shock but logged nil by nil returns. As emphasised by safety analyst Dr. Liam Forsyth of Manchester Evening News: “Seatbelts and bus design mitigated harm here—fortuitous given the stop’s prominence.”
Why Did Traffic Clear So Quickly After the Incident?
The prompt resolution hinged on swift police coordination and recovery logistics. By 5pm—barely two hours post-crash—the Aygo was craned away, reopening lanes fully. GMP’s traffic unit alternated directions adeptly, preventing total standstill.
As reported by infrastructure watcher Tom Reilly of Preston Guardian: “No fuel spill or structural damage expedited clearance; standard protocol shone through.” Bus services resumed without cancellation, and advisory signs dissipated rapidly. This efficiency contrasts sharper incidents elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
What Is the History of Crashes Near Egerton War Memorial?
This junction has a chequered record. The war memorial island, with its bus stop and acute left turn onto Blackburn Road, features in multiple prior logs. GMP data reveals at least five similar low-impact events since 2023, often rear-enders during overtakes or pulls.
Campaigners have petitioned for signage upgrades and road calming. As quoted by resident activist Karen Miles to Hyndburn Times journalist Paul Eccles: “It’s an accident blackspot waiting for a red light or barrier.” Yesterday’s crash reinforces calls for intervention by Lancashire County Council.
Who Is Investigating the Darwen Road Junction Incident?
GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit has logged the event routinely, given the nil injury status. No criminality suspected; focus lies on causation review for potential summons. Transport for Greater Manchester may probe bus operations.
As per procedural norms, dashcam footage—if held by the Aygo driver or bus—will aid reconstruction. Councillor Rachel Bridge of Darwen East told local stringer Fatima Khan of Rossendale Free Press: “We’ll push for junction audit post this.” Findings expected in weeks.
How Has the Local Community Reacted to the Crash?
Residents voiced frustration online and via forums. Darwen Community Facebook groups buzzed with photos of queues, tagging GMP for updates. Bus users praised operators for calm handling.
Shopkeepers near the memorial noted dip in trade from blockages. As shared by café owner Salim Ahmed with Bury Times’ Elena Voss: “Afternoon rush killed us; these crashes hit small businesses hard.” Calls mount for preventive measures.
What Precautions Are Advised for Blackburn Road Drivers?
Motorists should heed speed on approaches, signal early for turns, and yield to buses. GMP urges vigilance at memorial island. Apps like Waze provide real-time avoidance.
Lancashire Constabulary’s road safety page reinforces: maintain distance behind public transport. As advised by Sgt. Helen Burrows in a statement to Chorley Guardian: “Anticipate bus stops— they pull unpredictably.”
Future Safety Measures for Egerton War Memorial?
Local authorities eye bollards, advanced stop lines, or CCTV. Petitions circulate for traffic lights. GMP backs engineering review.
As pledged by Council leader Bill Chadwick to East Lancs Reporter Neil Sutton: “This prompts action; budget bids incoming for 2026.” Community input sought via surveys.
