Families of the three teenage men who died in a crash involving a bus and a car in a South Wales village which happened at around 7pm last night (Monday, 11 December) have paid tribute to them.

South Wales 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.

Officers said the three young men were declared dead at the scene and 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.

The family of Jesse Owen, 18, from Penygraig, Rhondda Cynon Taff, said: "Jesse had a presence that would light up any room. He was loved by all who had the honour of knowing him. He was the most loving, happy kind, calm and beautiful soul. He would do absolutely anything for anyone. He loved his family and friends and was loyal to the core.

"Jesse loved his boxing, watches and socialising with friends.

"He has left a huge void in all of our hearts and our lives will never be the same without him. He will be sorely missed by his parents, grandparents, brothers and extended family.

"We are all truly heartbroken."

 The family of Morgan Smith, 18, from Clydach Vale, Tonypandy, said: "Morgan is a popular boy, he is a well-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.

 "Morgan was best known as a talented boxer previously gaining a Welsh title. He was an up-and-coming star with a promising boxing career ahead of him.

 "As a family we are devastated by the loss of Morgan, we have been left with a void that can never be filled We love you our boy.

"We would like to thank all the emergency services that assisted at the scene."

The family of Callum Griffiths, 19, from Porth, his mum Natalie, dad Lee and Callum's 15-year-old sister Erin, said:  "Callum had the most beautiful smile that would light up the room. He was the most precious gift of a son and our love is endless. 

"Our hearts have been broken into a million pieces, broken beyond repair. He was so loving and had a caring soul. He has left a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled. 

"Callum was a world champion in Kickboxing and achieved numerous Gold medals and has represented Wales in different countries all over the world. 

"Callum qualified as a barber just over a year ago. He was a passionate, hard-working and a dedicated barber. And we are so very proud of him. We are proud of everything he's achieved.

 "We love you "Champ". 

 Erin, Callum's sister, added: "Callum was my best friend and the most selfless person in the world. I will always love him and am so proud of him."