Fatal crash pair on shopping trip

Rhiannon Davies (left) had been given her car as a birthday present Families' tributes to crash girls

Police are continuing to investigate a crash that killed two teenagers on the heads of the valleys road.

Rhiannon Davies, 18, and Jade Emanuel, 17, both from Rhondda, died at the scene after their car was in a head-on collision in heavy rain.

South Wales Police said their blue MG Rover ZR went out of control on the A465 between Hirwaun and Merthyr on Saturday afternoon.

Three men in the other car were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The crash happened at about 1350 GMT on Saturday in heavy rain.

Ms Davies, a child-care student, lived in Treherbert. Her friend was from the neighbouring village of Blaencwm.

It is understood Ms Davies had been given the car as a birthday present by her father.

A family member said: "Obviously the whole family is in a state of shock.

The car spun out of control in wet weather, say police

"We've been told that Rhiannon hit water on the road and the car spun out of control. It is a terrible tragedy.

"Her and Jade were driving over to Merthyr to do some shopping - they were very close friends and were always together."

Jade had a part-time job in a local opticians but had the afternoon off to go shopping with her friend.

Her great-grandmother Ena Parry, 84, said: "She was such a lovely girl. We're all in shock - you never expect to lose someone so young.

"She had her whole life ahead of year. She was doing her A-levels and was hoping to go to university."

Hospital

Police have said it was raining heavily at the time of the crash, although the reasons for the car going out of control had "yet to be established".

The coroner has been informed. The results of post mortem examinations are awaited.

The injured men in the other car, a black Audi A3, were taken to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.

Anyone who saw the MG Rover travelling from Rhondda towards Merthyr along the A465 is asked to contact police on 02920 633438, or their local police station.