12 December 2023 , 10:21
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Three teenagers have died and two more are fighting for their lives in hospital after a collision between a bus and an Audi A1.
Five people were taken by ambulance following the collision on Elwyn Street in Coedely, Tonyrefail. The road, which is close to a caravan park, in Rhondda Cynon Taf was closed off as South Wales Police officers investigate at the scene and remains cordoned off this morning. Two young men aged 18 and one aged 19 were killed in the incident, police have now confirmed. Two others aged 18 and 19 have been hospitalised with "life-threatening" injuries.
At present, only one of the young men has been identified. Morgan Smith, 18, a local boxing star, was out with friends he knew his school days when tragedy struck. 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."
Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones wrote on Facebook today, saying: "Utterly devastating news coming from our community this morning. All of my thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy."
Morgan Smith, 18, was one of the three killed (WALES NEWS SERVICE)
Morgan's dad Daniel Chalfont described him as "my baby boy" (WALES NEWS SERVICE)South Wales Police confirmed this morning three young men died and two more are fighting for their lives in hospital after the crash last night. A statement said: "At around 7pm last night, Monday 11th December, emergency services were called to the scene of a serious road traffic collision involving a bus and an Audi A1 on Ely Valley Road, Coedely.
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"Three men – two aged 18 and one aged 19 – were declared dead at the scene. Two further men, aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff with life-threatening injuries. Two other people were also treated for minor injuries. The road has remained closed while investigations into the collision continue."
Superintendent Esyr Jones of South Wales Police added: “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.”
The crash happened close to a caravan park (Rob Browne)The Welsh Ambulance Service said the incident happened at around 7pm and involved a head-on collision. The spokesperson added four casualties had been taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, and a fifth had been taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Talbot Green.
Rhondda MS Buffy Williams also wrote on Facebook and said she was "hope and praying that those involved aren't seriously injured". She added: "I've received a call from South Wales Police to confirm they are currently at the scene of a serious collision in Coedely. There are very many reports on Facebook, some with differing information. Please refrain from adding to the rumours or speculation, a further statement will be made by South Wales Police in due course. Hoping and praying that those involved aren't seriously injured, and thank you to the emergency services for their response again this evening."
Welsh Conservative leader Andrew R T Davies also thanked emergency service workers. He said: "Really concerned to hear about this serious accident in Coedely. My thoughts are with the whole community, those involved in the incident and our brave emergency services attending to it."
Local councillor Danny Grehan told BBC Wales: "From what I understand, local people were involved in the horrific accident, and this is going to hit the area very hard."