Coedely crash: Three teens killed in horror collision between Audi and bus are named

Three teenagers killed in a horror crash between an Audi and a bus[1] in Coedely have been named. They are Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth, Jesse Owen, 18, from Tonypandy, and Morgan Smith, 18, also from Tonypandy. The group of five had travelled about four miles from their home in the Tonypandy area of Rhondda, South Wales, to the village of Coedely near Tonyrefail, when tragedy struck on Monday night.

Two others have been in hospital with life-threatening injuries, while another two had minor injuries in the pile-up with the local service bus and an Audi A1.? Speaking earlier today, Superintendent Esyr Jones of South Wales Police[2] 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."

Anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner in which either vehicle was being driven prior to the collision is asked to contact South Wales Police.

Paying tribute to his son, Morgan's dad Daniel Chalfont described him as "my baby boy" and said he was "literally the most perfect son you could ever wish for." He added: "Miss you so much already. Don't know how I'll live life without you. Literally broken." His mother Laura said: "Just six hours ago we said our usual love you.

This hurts so much." Morgan was also a keen boxer and had won a Welsh youth title. The five teenagers - who had played together in the same rugby team from the age of 10 - were on a night on when they were in a "serious collision" at around 7pm on Monday. Local deputy mayor for Rhondda Cynon Taf, Dan Owen-Jones, went to the scene after being called by someone living near the scene of the crash.

In an emotional Facebook[3] post on a local community page, he said: "I have faced this evening tragedy and bereaved families at its worse, at times I was numb and helpless to the grieving families. I cannot even describe the pain, shock and suffering I have witnessed tonight... Horrific."

First Minister Mark Drakeford is among a number of national politicians in Wales to have also sent his condolences to the families.

He said: "My thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragic incident in Coedely, and diolch o galon [thank you from the bottom of my heart] to all first responders working at the scene."

References

1. ^ horror crash between an Audi and a bus (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ South Wales Police (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ Facebook (www.mirror.co.uk)