Three teenagers have died following a crash between a bus and an Audi A1 car, police have confirmed.
Two young men aged 18, and one aged 19, were declared dead at the scene.
Two other young men, aged 18 and 19, were taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with life-threatening injuries.
The collision on Elwyn Street in Coedely, Rhondda Cynon Taf, happened on Monday evening.
Two other people were also treated for minor injuries.
The road remains closed and police have appealed for witnesses.
Superintendent Esyr Jones, of South Wales Police, said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
Trained family liaison officers are supporting the families at what must be an extremely difficult time for them."
Rhondda Cynon Taf council's deputy mayor Dan Owen-Jones said he was one of the first at the scene, after receiving a call from someone living on the street.
He told OceanNewsUK: "It's a distressing time for all. At this time of year it's even worse.
"I was there immediately, about two minutes past seven. I had a call from one of the neighbours, it happened outside their home. I was on the frontline trying to do the best with the traffic control.
"Later on there was lots and lots of family and friends. It was very distressing to see the family, but understandable - if it was one of my family I would have wanted to be there."
In a Facebook post on a local community page, he said: "I have faced this evening tragedy and bereaved families at its worse, at times I was numb and helpless to the grieving families.
"I cannot even describe the pain, shock and suffering I have witnessed tonight… Horrific."
Alex Davies-Jones, Labour MP for Pontypridd, told the OceanNewsUK: "It is utterly devastating for our community.
"Ours is a tight-knit community - everyone knows the families involved. My heart goes out to everyone affected I cannot praise enough the police, the first responders and the general members of the public who tried to help last night.
"If anyone does need support please come forward and my office is open."
