A teenager who was killed alongside two of his friends in a head-on crash with a bus has been pictured for the first time. Morgan Smith, 1...
A teenager who was killed alongside two of his friends in a head-on crash with a bus has been pictured for the first time.
Morgan Smith, 18, was declared dead at the scene on Elwyn Street in Coedely, Rhondda Cynon Taf around 7pm last night.
Another 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old were also killed.
Two other men, also aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, with life threatening injuries.
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.’
His mother Laura said: ‘Just six hours ago we said our usual love you. This hurts so much.’
Morgan was also a keen boxer and had won a Welsh youth title.
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.’
Seven ambulances and three doctors were sent to the scene.
South Wales Police said the road would remain closed ‘for some time’.
Chief Superintendent Steve Jones, said: ‘Please can we ask the public to refrain from speculation and rumour while our officers deal with this serious collision.
‘These are obviously tragic circumstances and we do not wish for speculation online to cause suffer further distress to the families of those involved.’
Alex Davies-Jones, MP for Pontypridd, said: ‘Utterly devastating news coming from our community this morning. All of my thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.
‘Thank you to all the emergency services, first responders and members of the public who tried to help last night.’
Deputy mayor Dan Owen-Jones was one of the first at the scene – and described it as ‘horrific’.
He said: ‘At times I was numb and helpless to the grieving families.
‘I cannot even describe the pain, shock and suffering I have witnessed – horrific.
‘It’s a distressing time for all. At this time of year it’s even worse.’
South Wales Police has appealed for witnesses.
