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Tributes paid to men killed in triple death crash

Family photos A compilation picture of two men. Lawrence Howells, on the left, is holding a brown and black down as he is looking off to the left. Barrie John on the right is wearing sunglasses, a white top and is standing in the sun with trees behind him. Family photos
Lawrence Howells and Barrie John died in a crash on the A48

The families of two men who died in a crash on the A48 have paid tribute to them.

Three men died in the collision involving a blue Ford Puma car and a Scania tipper lorry near Bonvilston in the Vale of Glamorgan on Tuesday.

Two of these have been named as Lawrence Howells, 51, from Porthcawl, Bridgend county, and Barrie John, 48, from Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The family of Mr Howells said they were "devastated", while Mr John's family said losing him had "left a hole" in their hearts.

South Wales Police officers are continuing to investigate the collision and have appealed for information.

The family of Mr John said while he "pushed their patience with his mischievous acts", he always had a way of making them laugh when they needed it most.

"His grin, the way he'd sneak around causing chaos and then act like nothing happened, made life with him unpredictable but never dull," they said.

"I keep expecting to hear his voice, to see his face, but all that remains are memories.

"The house feels emptier without him, even though I know his spirit lingers in every corner, reminding me of the times he made us laugh or shake our heads in disbelief."

His sister Donna said she could not "put in words just how broken I'm feeling right now knowing that I'm never going to see you or hear your voice again with our goofy ways".

Mr Howells' family said their thoughts also go out to other families affected by the crash.

"Sleep tight Law boy," they said.

People living in the area have expressed concerns over the road's speed limit, while South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies has called for a safety investigation following five deaths on the road in the past two two years.

Mr Davies said Senedd ministers must urgently assess the safety of the A48 following the latest fatalities on the road.

"Senedd ministers must commission an urgent engineering review of this stretch of road to fully assess the risks and identify what measures can be taken to avoid more lives being lost," he said.

Tony Young, who has lived in the area for 24 years, described part of the road as "hazardous", particularly for people with mobility issues or young children.

"You're taking your life into your hands trying to cross the road," he said.