Man killed in road smash: police witness appeal

The collision occurred when a dark blue BMW M5 with four men on board overturned as it travelled towards Edenfield on the A680 Rochdale Road, near Fecit Lane.

The front seat passenger, a 40-year-old man from Rochdale sustained fatal injuries. The 29-year-old driver from Manchester sustained a broken wrist, arm and elbow and the back seat passengers, aged 23 and 24, from Rochdale, sustained minor injuries.

Police say no other vehicles were involved but are appealing for witnesses or anybody that saw the BMW before the collision to contact them.

Sgt Jon Allwright, from the Force Roads Policing Unit, said: “Sadly, as a result of this accident, a man sustained fatal injuries and we have deployed specialist family liaison officers to support the family and our thoughts are with them at this time. Three others, including the driver, were treated for lesser injuries at hospitals in Manchester.

“An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of exactly what has happened but we are anxious to trace any vehicles travelling along Rochdale Road last night that saw the accident occur or saw the car involved, a BMW M5 registered number MW13 YYX.

“We’re also keen to speak with anyone that may have seen the car travelling in or around the Rochdale area and would ask them to contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log 1397.”

The road remains closed to traffic this morning for accident investigation.