Three pals aged 18 and 19 killed in horrific Welsh car on Christmas night out all pictured – as tributes are paid to trio after their Audi smashed head-on into bus
Three former school friends and rugby teammates who died in a horrific crash that left two others fighting for their lives have been photographed for the first time.
Morgan Smith, 18, died along with Callum Griffiths, 19, and Jesse Owen, 18, who were believed to be at a Christmas party when they were involved in a horror crash between their car and a bus.
Two other young people traveling in the Audi A1 suffered life-threatening injuries.
The collision took place on a winding road through a village (20mph zone) in the dark and wet.
Morgan’s father Daniel Chalfont described him as “my baby” and said he was “literally the most perfect son you could ever ask for.”
As a sign of respect, he added: “Miss you so much already. I don’t know how I will live my life without you. (I’m) literally broken.”
Callum Griffiths, 19, was killed when the Audi A1 he was driving collided with a bus.
Jesse Owen, 18 (pictured), was allegedly at a Christmas party with friends when they were involved in a horrific crash between their car and a bus.
Morgan Smith, 18, pictured) was one of three teenagers pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
His mother Laura added: “Just six hours ago we said we love you as usual. It is so painful.
Morgan was also a keen boxer and was revealed to have won the Welsh youth title.
Alex Davies-Jones, Labor MP for Pontypridd, said: “We have had absolutely devastating news coming from our community this morning. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
The teenagers, who were believed to have played together in the same youth rugby team since they were ten, were driving to a party when a “serious collision” occurred at around 7pm on Monday.
It is believed the group had traveled four miles from their homes in the Tonypandy area of Rhondda, South Wales, to the village of Codeley, near Tonyrefail, when the tragedy occurred.
Naming the three victims, police said Jesse and Morgan were from Tonypandy and Callum was from nearby Porth, Rhondda.
Emergency services were sent to the former mining village and police urged the public to refrain from “speculation and rumours”.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council deputy mayor Dan Owen-Jones, who was one of the first on the scene, described the incident as “horrible”.
Pictured: A map of the street where the horrific accident took place in south Wales last night.
Five teenagers, who were school friends and played on the same rugby team, were traveling together in an Audi. Pictured: Morgan Smith
The road has been closed since 7pm last night while investigations into the incident continue. Pictured: Ely Valley Road, Codeli, Tonyrefail
Mr Owen-Jones, the Labor councilor who represents Tonyrefail, said: “At times I felt numb and helpless in front of the grieving families.
“I can’t even describe the pain, shock and suffering that I witnessed… terrible.
“This is a worrying time for everyone. It’s even worse at this time of year.”
Fellow local councilor Danny Grehan said: “This will hit the area very hard. The shock wave will travel through the entire community.
“Obviously the pain will be felt by the families of those who are part of this, but also by the wider community.”
South Wales Police said two young men, aged 18 and 19, who survived the crash were taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with life-threatening injuries.
Two other people believed to be on the bus were also treated for minor injuries.
The road remained closed yesterday while investigations into the incident continued.
South Wales Police Superintendent Esir Jones said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident. Trained family liaison officers provide support to families.”
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.
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.