Teenager named after fatal M66 crash as friends set off fireworks at the scene

Tuesday, 18 November 2025 10:51

By David Murphy

A 19-year-old man who died after being struck by a car on the M66 has been named locally as Kade Hughes.

The incident happened near Simister Island at around 9.40pm on Sunday 16 November. Greater Manchester Police said Kade was a pedestrian at the time he was hit by a Tesla travelling southbound on the M66.

Officers believe Kade may have been a passenger in a blue BMW X3 that failed to stop for police shortly before the crash. The BMW had reportedly been seen driving at speed on Bury Old Road and ran a red light before officers initiated a pursuit in line with GMP policy.

Police say the vehicle was then lost from view before being discovered abandoned at the Junction 18 roundabout on the M60, where it had collided with another car. The occupants are thought to have fled the scene on foot, running along the motorway.

During the search, Kade was struck and fatally injured. No arrests have yet been made. GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is now conducting an independent investigation.

On Monday evening, a group believed to be Kade’s friends gathered at the scene of the crash, setting off fireworks and flares on the verge beside the motorway during rush-hour. Video footage circulating on social media shows vehicles slowing as fireworks were set off close to moving traffic.

Police have not commented on the gathering but confirmed that the motorway remained closed for several hours overnight into Monday to allow for investigation work.

Detective Constable Ian Lawton from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

“Officers initiated a pursuit in accordance with policy after a vehicle failed to stop for police after being seen driving at speed. The subsequent collision and tragic fatal injuries are now part of an independent review with the IOPC.

“We extend our condolences to the family and are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward and report.

“Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have any CCTV footage, including dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

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