Heartbroken parents pay tribute to ‘the most perfect son’, 18, who was one of three teenagers killed days before Christmas in horror head on crash between bus and Audi in South Wales – as two more fight for their lives in hospital
Heartbroken parents have paid tribute to their “most perfect son”, 18, who was one of three teenagers killed days before Christmas in a horror crash between a bus and an Audi.
Morgan Smith, 18, was one of three teenage boys pronounced dead at the scene of the crash in Ely Valley Road, Codeley Tonirefail, at 7pm yesterday.
Two other teenagers, aged 18 and 19, are fighting for their lives after being stranded in the same car.
Five boys, who had been friends since school and played rugby together, were riding together in an Audi at a party.
Morgan’s father Daniel Chalfont described him as “my baby” and said he was “literally the most perfect son you could ever ask for.”
He added: “Missing you so much already. I don’t know how I will live my life without you. Literally broken.
Morgan Smith, 18, was one of three teenage boys pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Morgan Smith, 18, was an avid boxer and rugby player. His parents called him the “ideal son.”
Morgan Smith, 18, won the junior boxing title in Wales. Five teenagers were driving together in an Audi at a party.
His mother Laura said: “Just six hours ago we said we love you as usual. It is so painful.
Morgan was a keen boxer and won the Welsh youth title.
Five teenagers were at a party when they were involved in a “serious collision” at around 7pm on Monday night.
They had driven about four miles from their home in the Tonypandy area of Rhondda, South Wales, to the village of Codely near Tonyrefail when tragedy struck.
Two others remain in hospital with life-threatening injuries, while two others suffered minor injuries after being hit by a bus and an Audi A1.
A huge number of emergency services were sent to the former mining village, with police urging the public to refrain from “speculation and rumours”.
Deputy Mayor Dan Owen-Jones was one of the first on the scene and described it as “horrible”.
He said: “At times I felt numb and helpless in front of the grieving families.
“I can’t even begin to describe the pain, shock and suffering I witnessed tonight* Horrible.”
“This is a worrying time for everyone. It’s even worse this time of year.
“Later there were many, many relatives and friends. It was very sad to see that family, but it’s understandable: if it was someone from my family, I would want to be there.”
Local councilor Danny Grehan said: “This will hit the area very hard. The shock wave will go through the entire community.”
Pictured: A map of the street where the horrific accident took place in south Wales last night.
The road was closed from 7pm last night while investigations into the incident continue. Pictured: Ely Valley Road, Codeli, Tonyrefail
“Obviously the pain will be felt by the families of those who are part of this, as well as the wider community, and I would like to thank the Codeli community for opening the community center last night for the emergency services that were working there.”
Police said three men – two 18-year-olds and one 19-year-old – were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men, aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with life-threatening injuries.
Two other people were also treated for minor injuries.
The road remains closed while the incident continues to be investigated.
South Wales Police Superintendent Esir Jones said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident. Trained family liaison officers are supporting families during what must be an extremely difficult time for them.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision or the driving behavior of any vehicle prior to the collision is asked to contact South Wales Police.
The Welsh Ambulance Service said five people were taken to hospital and confirmed there were “fatalities”.
The Welsh Ambulance Service said it sent 18 staff to the scene, including seven ambulances and three doctors.
Alex Davies-Jones, MP for Pontypridd, said: “We have had absolutely devastating news from our community this morning. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.
“Thank you to all the emergency services, first responders and members of the public who tried to help last night. Please be aware that the road remains closed while the investigation continues. My office is doing everything we can to support local efforts.”
Three teenagers have been confirmed dead and two more are fighting for their lives after a horrific crash involving a bus and a car in south Wales. Pictured: Ely Valley Road, Codeley, Tonyrefail.
Three teenagers have been confirmed dead and two more are fighting for their lives after a horrific crash involving a bus and a car in south Wales.
Emergency services were called to Ely Valley Road, Codeley Tonirefail, at 7pm last night and the road remains closed while investigations into the collision continue.
Two 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene. Local police said their thoughts and prayers were with the victims and their families.
Two other teenage boys, aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with life-threatening injuries.
The collision reportedly involved an Audi AI and a bus.