Three teenagers who died in a collision between a bus and a car in a village in Wales have been named by police.
Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth, and 18-year-olds Jesse Owen and Morgan Smith, from Tonypandy, all died in the crash on Monday night, South Wales Police confirmed.
All three men were declared dead at the scene, while two other people, aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital Wales, Cardiff with life-threatening injuries.
Two other people were also being treated for minor injuries.
The crash, involving an Audi A1 and a bus, occurred at around 7pm on Monday on Ely Valley road in the village of Coedely, around 20 miles outside of Cardiff.
The road has remained closed while investigations into the collision continue.
Morgan Smith (R), one of the three victims, pictured with his father
Superintendent Esyr Jones of South Wales Police said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident. Trained family liaison officers are supporting the families at what must be an extremely difficult time for them.”
Councillor Dan Owen-Jones, Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s deputy mayor, was at the scene minutes after the crash, following a call from a local resident.
He said the incident cast a “dark cloud over the community” and sent those affected his “deepest sympathies”.
“I’m not going to tell you what I saw when I first arrived because I don’t want to share that, that will stay with me,” he said.
Police stand guard at the scene of the accident
Credit: WALES NEWS SERVICE
He said a community centre was later opened as a “safe haven and warm place for distressed family and friends” arriving at the scene.
“I couldn’t imagine their feelings,” he added. “What I’ve seen and witnessed, I never ever want to witness again.
“And if anything I can do for the families, then so be it, in a very distressing time. It’s more distressing this time of year, isn’t it? Why is it it always happens this time of year?
“What I am concerned (for) at the moment is the families and the siblings.”
Paying tribute to his son on social media, Daniel Chalfont, the father of Mr Smith, a former boxing champion, said: “Literally the most perfect son you could ever wish for. Miss you so much already. Don’t know how I’ll live life without you.”
Alex Davies-Jones, the MP for Pontypridd, said news of the deaths had devastated the community.
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