Cops release timeline and new details of triple-fatal smash after 2-day search

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Hundreds of tributes left at the site of the crash in St Mellons overnight (Image: John Myers)
Hundreds of tributes left at the site of the crash in St Mellons overnight (Image: John Myers)

Police investigating the fatal crash that left three people dead and two seriously injured have released more details about the night they went missing and the subsequent search for them.

Friends Sophie Russon, 20, Eve Smith, 21, and Darcy Ross, 21, all from Newport, had been on a night out at the Muffler bar and club in Maesglas, Newport, on Friday evening before they are thought to have headed to Trecco Bay in Porthcawl.

They were joined by Shane Loughlin, 32, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, from Cardiff, and the five were last seen in Cardiff at 2am on Saturday.

Tragically Eve, Darcy and Rafel Jeanne all died - while Shane and Sophie became trapped in the wreckage of theVolkswagen Tiguan that came off the A48(M) in Cardiff and crashed into trees in the St Mellons area of the city.

Friends and family desperately searched for them over the weekend and just after midnight on Monday, 48 hours after they were last heard from, the car they had been travelling in was found.

Nicola Bulley's children 'cried their eyes out' after being told 'mummy's lost' qhiqqkiqudiqqhinvNicola Bulley's children 'cried their eyes out' after being told 'mummy's lost'
Cops release timeline and new details of triple-fatal smash after 2-day searchHundreds of tributes left at the site of the crash in St Mellons overnight (John Myers)

A mum of one of the young women desperately hurt has criticised police for not taking it seriously enough.

Today, South Wales Police said that following initial police investigations into the collision, they can confirm that:

Cops release timeline and new details of triple-fatal smash after 2-day searchFamily of the missing friends shared this CCTV of the car before it was found close to a busy A-road in South Wales this morning

A spokesman added that the families of Rafel Jeanne, Darcy Ross and Eve Smith, who died in the collision, continue to be supported by specialist family liaison officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hoborough of Gwent Police said: “This is an extremely sad situation, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of each of the young people involved. We will continue to support the investigation and would ask members of the public to refrain from speculation during this period.”

Cops release timeline and new details of triple-fatal smash after 2-day searchFriends Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, and 20-year-old Sophie Russon had gone on a night out at the Muffler nightclub in Newport

Assistant Chief Constable Jason Davies of South Wales Police said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the families and all those affected by this tragic incident. Specialist officers are carrying out a detailed investigation to piece together what has happened. Family liaison officers are supporting the families involved at what must be a hugely difficult time for them.”

Gwent Police and South Wales Police have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is usual in these circumstances.

Cops release timeline and new details of triple-fatal smash after 2-day searchRafel Jeanne, 24, also died in the tragic accident

Since Monday flowers and tributes have been laid at the roundabout where the car was discovered. A vigil is being planned at the site at 6pm on Tuesday.

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101, or send them direct message, quoting 2300071791.

Cathy Owen

Missing persons, Car crashes, CCTV footage, CCTV, Gwent Police, South Wales Police, Newport Corporation

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