10 March 2023 , 21:54
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A man who survived a fatal car crash in which three people lost their lives has released his first statement following the tragedy.
In a statement released by a friend on behalf of Shane Loughlin, 32, the crash survivor said he "can't believe" what happened and added he is "gutted".
The man, who has been in hospital since the crash on March 4, said his heart goes out to the families and friends of victims Eve Smith, 21, Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Darcy Ross, 21.
Shane and Sophie Russon, 20, were the only survivors of the crash on the A48 in the St Mellons area of Cardiff, reports Wales Online.
Police found the car two days after the crash (Media Wales)His message, posted on Facebook, read: "Only just found out what happened just want to say sorry to everyone and Thank you everyone who helped with the search party and thank you for everyone wishing me well I’ll be back soon love you all.
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"Rip Rafel, Eve, and Darcy. Can’t believe it gutted is an understatement heart goes out to all families and friends of the people that has passed. Long way to recovery mentally and physically but we’ll get there."
In their latest update South Wales Police said their investigations had concluded the crash happened at 2.03am on Saturday, March 4.
Officers have used CCTV and number plate recognition to work out the time of the collision. They have also confirmed there is no suggestion any other vehicle was involved.
People paid tribute at the scene of the crash (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)The white Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle had left the carriageway into a wooded area.
South Wales Police said the families of the three people who died continue to be supported by specialist family liaison officers. Post-mortem examinations are ongoing.
The car the five had been travelling in was not found until just after midnight on Monday, March 6, some two days later.
Ffion Actie, the devastated sister of victim Rafel, said she is "disappointed" over the police response - adding that it "could have been a different outcome" if officers had arrived sooner.
Rafel Jeanne died in the collision in Cardiff
Eve Smith was also killed (Media Wales)Her comments came as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launches an investigation into Gwent Police and South Wales Police, amid allegations they did not take matters seriously.
Ms Actie told Sky News: "I heard the girls' mums had contacted (police) but it had taken several hours (to respond).
"I feel they should have acted straight away."
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She described her brother as a "big character, happy, loving, bubbly", and said: "He was very popular, a nice man."
Ms Actie added: "I like to think that if (police) got there sooner, it would have been a different outcome."
The scene in the St Mellons area of Cardiff where the crash happened last weekend (PA)Detectives investigating the collision are now appealing for anyone who was in the area or who may have been travelling east along the A48 Eastern Avenue between Cardiff and the St Mellons off-slip which links to the roundabout of the A48, B4487, and Cypress Drive (near Blooms Garden Centre) who may have dashcam footage from this time to come forward.
They also want to speak to anyone who was travelling in the area and may have seen the Volkswagen Tiguan. The appeal is for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle and there is no suggestion that another vehicle was involved in the collision.
Assistant chief constable Jason Davies said: "The investigation is making good progress in piecing together the events leading up to the collision. Specialist officers will continue to carry out a detailed investigation which will enable us to provide the facts of what happened during the early hours of Saturday morning.
“Our thoughts continue to be with the families and all those affected by this tragic incident. Family liaison officers are supporting the families involved at what must be a hugely difficult time for them.” Anyone with information can contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence 2300072969.