UK
Three teenagers killed in South Wales crash named – as families pay tribute
Three teenagers who were killed after a car collided with a bus in Coedely, South Wales, have been named by police as their families paid tribute.
18-year-olds Morgan Smith and Jesse Owen and Callum Griffiths, 19, were declared dead at the scene.
Two others have sustained life-threatening injuries.
Daniel Chalfont said on Facebook he was “literally broken” following the death of Morgan Smith.
“Literally the most perfect son you could ever wish for,” he said.
“Miss you so much already.”
In a statement through South Wales Police his family said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of Morgan, we have been left with a void that can never be filled We love you our boy.”
Maerdy Boxing Club said in a statement that Mr Smith was the “Nicest person you could ever wish to meet”.
“Not only was Morgan a great person he was also a very talented Boxer becoming a Welsh Champion, representing Wales in the British Championships and also travelled to Ireland with us to box.
Jesse Owen’s family said: “Jesse had a presence that would light up any room. He was loved by all who had the honour of knowing him.
Jesse Owen, 18, was described as “the most loving, happy kind, calm and beautiful soul.”
“He was the most loving, happy kind, calm and beautiful soul. He would do absolutely anything for anyone. He loved his family and friends and was loyal to the core.”
“Jesse loved his boxing, watches and socialising with friends.”
Callum Griffiths’ family said: “Callum had the most beautiful smile that would light up the room. He was the most precious gift of a son and our love is endless.
Callum Griffiths, 19, was described as “the most precious gift of a son.”
“Our hearts have been broken into a million pieces, broken beyond repair. He was so loving and had a caring soul. He has left a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.
“Callum was a world champion in Kickboxing and achieved numerous Gold medals and has represented Wales in different countries all over the world.
“We love you ‘Champ’.”
In a statement, South Wales Police said: “At around 7pm last night (Monday 11 December) emergency services were called to the scene of a serious road traffic collision involving a bus and an Audi A1 on Ely Valley Road, Coedely.
“Three men – two aged 18 and one aged 19 – were declared dead at the scene. Two further men, aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff with life-threatening injuries.
“Two other people were also treated for minor injuries.”
The road has since reopened.
The force previously asked for anyone with dash cam footage or who witnessed the collision to get in touch.
Graham Drew lives on nearby Gladys Street, and told Sky News: “It is a stretch of road that is quite dangerous.
“This was an accident waiting to happen.”
He said the community was “obviously very concerned about what has just happened”.
“We did open the community centre to ask people to go in and have a cuppa and I do believe that police spoke to the people there to communicate with the families related to the incident.”
The scene in Coedely, near Tonyrefail, Rhondda Cynon Taf
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Another local resident who did not wish to be named told Sky News she could see lights when she looked out of her bedroom window on Monday evening.
“Within five minutes, there was a woman trying to get down and they [Police] wouldn’t let her and she was screaming ‘My boy, my boy’,” she said.
“Everybody’s stunned. We’re just stunned. It’s terrible. No words for it.”
Danny Grehan, councillor for Tonyrefail East told Sky News the mood was “heavy” within the local community.
“Any tragic accident is going to bring a lot of grief and a lot of pain,” he said.
“That is really evident in the community and in the community here in Coedely this morning where this tragic accident has happened.
“The local people been involved in this accident, we still don’t know the details. But obviously the loss of life in any event is a real hit for us as a community.”
The scene in Coedely, near Tonyrefail, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Wales’s first minister, Mark Drakeford, posted his condolences on X, formerly Twitter.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragic incident in Coedely, and diolch o galon (heartfelt thanks) to all first responders working at the scene,” he wrote.