Three young pals killed travelling home from a funeral when Audi 'split in half' after hitting bus in horror smash
10/25/2024 08:51 AM
THREE young pals were killed while travelling home from a funeral when their Audi “split in half” after hitting a bus, an inquest heard.
Jesse Owen, 18, was over the drink-drive limit when he got behind the wheel of the Audi A1 with five friends.
He was killed alongside champion kickboxer Callum Griffiths, 19, and Morgan Smith 18, in the December 11 horror.
The inquest was told Jesse had been seen driving at “very high speed” in the car, which had personalised number plates and blacked out windows.
As they rounded a bend, the group crashed into an oncoming Stagecoach bus in Coedely, South Wales.
Survivor Ellis Williams told the court: “I thought Jesse was going fast but I didn’t worry. We went around the bend and I heard [another survivor] say ‘woah woah’ before the bend.
“I didn’t realise what was happening I looked to my right and I could see Jesse looked scared.
“A car kicked out around the corner and Jesse tried to get back in.
“We knew we were all going to hit the bus – I held the side door.
“As we hit the bus Jesse’s side made the first contact with the bus. My airbag went off and I hit my head on it.
“I looked to my right and nobody was sat next to me. I looked behind and none of the boys were there. The car was split in half it was in two parts.
“I could hear people screaming. I didn’t see where anyone was thrown.”
Callum was killed by a head injury, while Morgan died nine minutes later from injuries to the face and neck.
Driver Jesse, who suffered an injury to the head and chest, was later found to have 113mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood – the legal limit being 80mg.
The court heard the group had been to a funeral for Ellis’ dad when they went to a pub and then a working man’s club.
A bar worker said she served the group at least three pints each before Jesse got behind the wheel.
His parents described their son as a “careful and considerate” and “experienced” driver who had been told about the dangers of drink-driving.
But witnesses said they saw the Audi “fly past” as it sped through the village.
One remarked to a friend at the time: “Look at the f***ing speed that is travelling at”.
Footage from the crash showed the Audi lose control and stray into the incorrect lane as the bus travelled towards it.
Ellis told the court he walked around the scene after the crash and saw his friends on the ground.
In tributes issued through police, Jesse’s family said he had “a presence that would light up any room.”
Morgan’s family described him as “a popular boy” and a “well-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.”
While Callum’s loved ones 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.”
The inquest continues.
