THE FAMILIES of two men who died in a crash involving a blue Ford Puma car and a Scania tipper lorry near Bonvilston have paid tribute to them.
Three men died in the collision that occurred on the A48 shortly before 5pm on Tuesday, 1st April.
South Wales Police (SWP) are continuing to investigate the incident and have made an appeal for witnesses to come forward.
Two of the men have been named as Lawrence Howells, aged 51 from Porthcawl and Barrie John, 48 from Ferndale.
Family tributes
The following family tributes have been paid to them:
Lawrence Howells’ family said: “As a family we are devastated and ask for time to grieve and process the loss of Lawrence. Sleep tight Law boy. Our thoughts also go out to other families affected by this tragic accident.”
The family of Barrie John said: “I have lost my son, the biggest pain out of the four of my children. It’s strange how the ones who cause the most trouble end up leaving the biggest mark on your heart. He was always the one to stir things up, constantly pushing my patience with his mischievous antics. Yet, he also had a way of making me laugh when I 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.
“Despite his troublesome ways, he brought so much life and laughter into everything. His energy was contagious, He was always cracking jokes, pulling pranks, Now, he’s gone, and the silence is deafening. Losing him has left a hole in my heart that nothing can fill. 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.
“Time moves on, but the pain is still there. Grief doesn’t fully heal; it just becomes something you learn to carry. I find myself wishing I could hear him complain just one more time. Those little moments, his voice, his sense of humour, they’re what I miss the most. Though the sorrow is overwhelming, there’s still a flicker of hope that his spirit lives on in the love and memories we hold.
Barrie’s sister Donna added: “I can’t 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, but I will never forget our memories with Nigel, your nieces and nephew and the way you made us all laugh. Growing up with you wasn’t easy but I would do it all again if I could, now it’s your time to rest, I love you always your baby sister, Donna.”
South Wales Police is continuing to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have dash cam footage to contact South Wales Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 2500102402.
Andrew RT Davies MS for South Wales Central has called for a safety investigation following five deaths on the road recent years. He said: My heart goes out to the families of those who have lost their lives on the A48. It is devastating that this is the fifth fatality on this road in such a short period.
“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.
“As the A48 is part of the trunk road network, ministers have a direct responsibility to ensure it is safe.”
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