Cardiff crash survivor releases first statement from hospital bed as he learns three others died

A man who survived the horror Cardiff car crash which left three people dead says he "can't believe" the tragedy in his first public statement.

A friend of Shane Loughlin, 32, posted the a message on his behalf on Facebook yesterday on Friday (March 10).

It reads: "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."

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Shane and Sophie Russon, 20, were the only survivors of the crash which happened on the A48 in the St Mellons area on March 4.

They were seriously injured and remain in hospital, according to the latest police statement on Friday.

Eve Smith, 21, Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Darcy Ross, 21, died in the crash. In their latest update South Wales Police said their investigations had concluded the crash happened at 2.03am.

Officers have used CCTV and number plate recognition to work out the time of the collision. They have also confirmed there is no suggestion any other vehicle was involved, Wales Online reports.

The car the five had been travelling was not found until just after midnight on Monday, March 6, some two days later. The white Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle had left the carriageway into a wooded area.

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