Oldham dad Mohammed Zafeer and his kids were injured in a crash that claimed the life of another man involved
(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
A man who was involved in a horror crash in Royton on Tuesday (March 17) has issued a heartfelt thank-you to two strangers who helped him in the aftermath of the smash.
Oldham resident Mohammed Zafeer, who is a taxi driver, was travelling in his taxi on the way to do some shopping with his children in the back of the car when the collision took place on Broadway in Royton.
The three-car crash happened at the entrance to Elk Mill retail park just before 5.30pm. Pictures from the extensive police scene showed three badly damaged cars – thought to have been a Mercedes, a Toyota Prius and a Ford – inside the cordon.
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Speaking to the M.E.N, Mohammed said he remembers little of the collision. “The impact was so strong, I can’t really remember anything,” he said. “It happened so quickly, my mind just went blank.”
Mohammed and his children were treated in hospital and are now back at home. “I’m a bit better now but still in pain,” he said. “It was horrible. Everyone keeps saying how lucky we are to still be here. Sadly a man did lose his life.”
Greater Manchester confirmed that a man aged in his 50s died following the collision. He was named on Thursday (March 19) as Michael (Mickey) Margetson by his wife Diane, who described him as her ‘best friend’ and ‘rock’.
Michael Margetson (Image: GMP/Family handout)
Mohammed has now said he wants to send a message to two unknown women who helped him and his children in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
“As soon as I got out of the car I found I couldn’t stand up, I had no energy,” he said. “My daughter and son both suffered injuries in the crash.
“These two young women approached and held my kids for me, gave them comfort and helped me while we were all being treated by the paramedics.”
Mohammed said he would like these two women, whom he estimated to be in their late 20s to early 30s, to get in touch with him so he can thank them personally.
“I didn’t get to say anything at the time but I wanted to get a message to them to say thank you, and pay them back somehow,” he said.
GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit continues to investigate the crash. Officers want to speak to witnesses, or anyone with dash cam footage.
A GMP spokesperson said: “To help understand the full circumstances, the SCIU are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
“They are keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident or of the moments leading up to the incident.”
Mohammed says anyone who can put him in touch with the women who helped him should contact him on Facebook.