12 December 2023 , 22:43
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The families of three young men killed in a crash between a bus and a car in South Wales have paid tribute to their loved ones.
Morgan Smith, 18, from Tonypandy, Jesse Owen, 18, also from Tonypandy and Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth, were killed in a collision between a bus and an Audi A1 on Monday evening. Two others suffered life-threatening injuries and another two suffered minor injuries in the incident on Ely Valley Road, Coedely.
The family of Mr Owen said: "Jesse had a presence that would light up any room. He was loved by all who had the honour of knowing him. 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."
The family of Mr Smith said: "Morgan is a popular boy, he is a well-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. 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."
Morgan Smith, 18, Jesse Owen, 18, and Callum Griffiths, 19, were killed in a collision between a bus and an Audi A1 on Monday eveningThe family of Mr Griffiths 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. 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."
Boy, 12, 'brutally beaten in park by man and teens' is now scared to leave house
Callum Griffiths (WALES NEWS SERVICE)
Morgan Smith (WALES NEWS SERVICE)The group of five had travelled about four miles from their home in the Tonypandy area to the village of Coedely near Tonyrefail, when the tragedy struck. Speaking earlier today, 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."
Jesse Owen, 18, was among the three teenagers killed in the crash (WALES NEWS SERVICE)The road remained closed on Tuesday morning, and anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner in which either vehicle was being driven prior to the collision has been 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 known in the area as 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.
Police at the scene following the fatal crash (Media Wales)Floral tributes and heartfelt messages have been left near the scene of the crash. One note reads: "Rest in peace lads. Taken way too young." 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 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."
Tributes and flowers at the scene (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)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."