Three teenagers killed in 'tragic crash' between bus and car in Tonyrefail named
Mike Griffiths reports from the scene
Three young men who died in a crash involving a bus and a car in a village in south Wales have been named.
Police confirmed Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth, Jesse Owen, 18, from Tonypandy and Morgan Smith, 18, from Tonypandy were killed in the incident in Coedely, Tonyrefail.
The crash happened at around 7pm on Monday 11 December.
South Wales Police said the three men were declared dead at the scene.
Officers have also said that two further men, who are aged 18 and 19, have been taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, with life-threatening injuries.
Two other people were also treated for minor injuries.
Danny Grehan, Plaid Cymru's Councillor for Tonyrefail East, told ITV News Wales that the community is grieving and he thanked residents and the emergency services.
Emergency services were called to Ely Valley Road in Coedely at around 7pm on Monday after the collision with an Audi A1 and a bus.
The road has now re-opened but had been closed for many hours while investigations were carried out into what happened.
Superintendent Esyr Jones of South Wales Police said: “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.”
Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has tweeted saying his "thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragic incident in Coedely, and diolch o galon to all first responders working at the scene."
Meanwhile the leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Andrew Morgan has said, "my deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of those affected by this tragic incident.
"The loss of such young lives has had a devastating impact on the community. On behalf of the Council, I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have died, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured.
"I would like to thank those in the community who rushed to the scene to help and send my thanks to the emergency services for their fast and professional response in a very distressing situation”
Anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner in which either vehicle was being driven prior to the collision is asked to contact South Wales Police.
In addition, anyone with any dash cam or mobile phone footage or who was witness to the collision is asked to contact us quoting reference 2300420639.
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