Aerial pictures show exactly where three friends died in horror car crash

06 March 2023 , 19:50

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St Mellons area of Cardiff where three people who disappeared on a night out have died in a road traffic accident (Image: PA)

Aerial pictures showed the exact place where three friends died in a horror crash.

Sophie Russon, 20, Eve Smith, 21, and Darcy Ross, 21, were last seen in the early hours of Saturday, alongside Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Shane Loughlin, 32; both from Cardiff.

Officers found the Volkswagen Tiguan they were last seen in at about 12.15am on Monday.

The car was discovered in the St Mellons area of the Welsh capital, and officers confirmed Rafel, Eve and Darcy were killed in the crash.

The photos show how the site was covered by large trees, and was slightly dipped off the main road.

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A statement by South Wales Police said: "Two further people were taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where they remain in a critical condition.

"Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident, including when the collision took place.

Aerial pictures show exactly where three friends died in horror car crash

St Mellons area of Cardiff where three people who disappeared on a night out have died in a road traffic accident (PA)

"The five individuals were the subject of inquiries by Gwent Police following a missing person report made during the evening of Saturday March 4.

"A subsequent missing person report in respect of one of the individuals was made to South Wales Police on Sunday March 5."

Earlier today it was revealed Rafel is the son of former QPR and Cardiff City winger Leon Jeanne, 42.

Eve's sister Xana Doyle was also killed in a car crash, caused by a driver who was drunk and high on cocaine and cannabis eight years ago.

The scene in the St Mellons area of Cardiff (PA)

Sophie's friend Vikki Neill wrote on Facebook she is "stable".

She added: "She is alive. She is a warrior. She is in the best hands. Thank you to everyone that helped tonight. We all truly appreciate it."

Sophie Russon's mum told how she drove past the site where her daughter lay injured and three of her friends dead.

Anna Certowicz, 41, revealed how she was desperately looking for her missing daughter Sophie, with the car not found until Monday morning.

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“I drove past her three times. She was 20 yards away lying there scared next to her friends who were dead. But I didn’t see her because of the trees and there was a dip - it’s a busy road, thousands of people must have gone past,” she said.

Eve's sister Lauren Doyle updated a Facebook post in the early hours of Monday to confirm she was among those to have died (Media Wales)

Investigators believe the car was involved in a crash and came off the A48, with an investigation opened by South Wales Police.

Eve's sister Lauren Doyle updated a Facebook post in the early hours of Monday to confirm she was among those to have died.

She wrote: "I will not comment on anyone other than Eve Smith to confirm that she has been confirmed as deceased.

"Thank you for your support and shares I won’t be answering messages please allow us some time as a family to digest this terrible news."

Darcy Ross was confirmed as one of the victims (Media Wales)

Friend of the group, Billys Charlotte, wrote: “Forever young god has gained another three angels please keep all family and friends in your prayers through this hard time god bless RIP Eve, Darcy and Rafel.”

Rafel’s friend Nicola Blackmore described him as a “lovely kid”.

His dad Leon, 42, played as a winger for QPR and Cardiff City before moving around a host of other clubs and retiring in 2015.

The group of friends were last seen around 2am on Saturday morning, with the search lasting 48 hours.