Cardiff crash survivor releases statement after learning that accident killed three friends

A man who survived a fatal car crash in Cardiff has issued a statement after learning an accident killed three of his friends.

Eve Smith, 21, Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Darcy Ross, 21, all died after being involved in a crash on the A48 in the St Mellons area shortly after 2am on 4 March.

Officers used CCTV and number plate recognition to work out the time of the collision, and there is no suggestion that another vehicle was involved.

Shane Loughlin, 32, and Sophie Russon, 20, were the only survivors of the crash, though they were seriously injured and remain in hospital, according to the latest police statement on Friday (10 March).

Shane Loughlin

All five of the friends had been on a night out at The Muffler bar in Maesglas, Newport, on 3 March.

Posted through a friend's Facebook account on Friday (10 March), Loughlin said that he 'can't believe' what has happened and that he is 'gutted'.

The full statement 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.

"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."

The white Volkswagen Tiguan that the group had been travelling in was not found until just after midnight on Monday (6 March) - two days after the crash.

The car had left the carriageway on the A48 and ended up in a wooded area.

South Wales Police said the families of the three people who died continue to be supported by specialist family liaison officers, while post-mortem examinations are ongoing.

Media Wales

Detectives are now seeking help from anyone who was in the area at the time, including those who travelling east along the A48 Eastern Avenue between Cardiff and the St Mellons off-slip.

While there is no suggestion that any other vehicle is involved, officials want anyone who may have seen the Volkswagen Tiguan to come forward.

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.”