Family and friends pay tribute to three found dead after Cardiff A48 crash

Watch ITV News' Wales Correspondent Rhys Williams' live report from the scene

Tributes have been paid to three people killed in a crash in Cardiff that left two others seriously injured.

Darcy Ross, 21, Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Eve Smith, 21, died in the crash.

Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, survived and are being treated for serious injuries.

All five were in a Volkswagen Tiguan that came off the A48(M) in Cardiff and crashed into trees.

The fatal collision later happened near a roundabout off the A48 near St Mellons in Cardiff Credit: PA

The three women are understood to have visited The Muffler bar in Maesglas in Newport on Friday evening.

Friends believe they headed 35 miles west to Trecco Bay Holiday Park in Porthcawl in a Volkswagen Tiguan along with Shane Loughlin and Rafel Jeanne, who were also reported missing.

South Wales Police confirmed that formal identification had taken place this afternoon (Monday 6 March) and the three people who died in the collision were Darcy Ross, Rafel Jeanne, and Eve Smith.

Tributes have been paid on social media and at the scene of the collision by friends and family members.

People continued to visit the site throughout the day and into Monday evening as a fireworks display took place in memory of those who died.

  • Fireworks were set off at the site in memory of those who died.

One relative of Miss Smith 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 and I won’t be answering messages please allow us some time as a family to digest this terrible news x.”

A friend of Miss Ross and Miss Smith wrote: “I don’t really have the words right now.

“Darcy Ross I’m going to miss you little gypsy girl. You were one of a kind, I’m going to miss trying to ‘life coach’ you as you would’ve said. You were a real ray of sunshine especially on my bad days.

The scene of the crash was hidden with green tarpaulin Credit: PA

“Eve Smith you were truly a beautiful young girl, who’s heart was made of gold just like your sister’s, give her a big hug for me and hold each other tight until the day we all have our turn and reunite.”

A friend of Mr Loughlin posted: “I’m so proud of us all pulling together out there searching for our dear friends last night.

“Wish Sophie a speedy recovery and I send all my love and strength to all the families involved.”

South Wales Police said it is leading the investigation and that officers are continuing to investigate the collision on the A48(M) in the St Mellons area of Cardiff.

It confirmed that emergency services discovered a Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle at 12.15am on March 6 after a police helicopter and police and fire officers were deployed to the scene.

A force spokesperson explained: “Two further people were taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where they remain in a critical condition.

Shane Loughlin and Sophie Russon are being treated in hospital. Credit: Social media

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

"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.”

The spokesperson also said that the last confirmed sighting of the five was during the early hours of Saturday morning.

Photographs from the scene show large green fencing and tarpaulin has been erected around the crash site, which is among trees.

People started arriving on Monday to leave floral tributes to those who died.

People left flowers and messages at the scene on Monday Credit: PA

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101, or send a direct message on social media, quoting 2300071791.

Referrals have been made by Gwent Police and South Wales Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Assistant Chief Constable Jason Davies, of South Wales Police, added: “Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this tragic incident.

“Specialist officers are carrying out an 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.

“To ensure independent oversight, South Wales Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is usual in these circumstances."