Five teenagers released on bail after fatal collision in Brecon Beacons

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/mar/08/five-teenagers-released-on-bail-after-fatal-collision-in-brecon-beacons

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Five teenagers held on suspicion of dangerous driving after four people died in a crash between two cars have been released on bail, police said.

Three 17-year-olds and a 68-year-old woman were killed in the collision, which took place in Powys, mid-Wales, as a number of vehicles travelled in a convoy.

Five male drivers, aged 17 and 18, from other vehicles, were arrested, Dyfed-Powys police said.

A spokeswoman said on Sunday that they had been released on bail pending further inquiries. “Two other 17-year-old males were arrested overnight. They have also been released on bail. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision to come forward, “ she said.

The accident happened on the A470 near Storey Arms, Brecon, between Libanus and RAC bends, just before 10.15pm on Friday.

Two vehicles were involved – a black Volkswagen Golf estate and a green Volkswagen Golf. The black Golf is not believed to be part of the convoy.

Police said a 17-year-old male youth driving the green Golf and another 17-year-old male youth who was a passenger also died, and a 17-year-old female who was among three other passengers who were taken to hospital in a serious condition has since died.

All three deaths in that car were from Barry, Vale of Glamorgan.

The driver and front-seat passenger in the Golf estate were taken to hospital, and the passenger, 68-year-old Margaret Elizabeth Challis (nee Webber) from the Merthyr area has since died. The driver’s condition is described as serious.

Supt Chris Curtis said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families at this difficult time. We are working with South Wales police in order to provide support to the families affected and also the communities they live within. We will work with partners to ensure that the incident is fully investigated.”

Dylan Jones, headteacher at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg in Barry, told the BBC that one of those killed was a sixth-form pupil at the school.

A former male pupil had also died, he said, while a third pupil was seriously injured in hospital.

Jones said both boys were very talented, Corey in football and Rhodri in science. He told the BBC he had spoken to the families on the phone. “Very devastating. It’s been a shock to us all, and a number of their friends also are feeling the shock.”

Asked how they would be remembered, he said: “They’re remembered as sociable and jolly, and a little mischievous, I’m sure, both of them, but on Monday we will come together to share those thoughts, and be able to reflect on their lives, and hopefully celebrate their lives, tomorrow morning.”

He said: “We had a junior eisteddfod this morning and some of the sixth form were stewarding the event when news started to come in.

“I have spoken to both parents and we are preparing for Monday so that we can offer all assistance and counselling to the pupils.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys police on 101.