Nightclub crash scene 'like a battlefield' with 13 people injured
The aftermath of a car crash outside a nightclub which injured 13 people has been described by one of the victim's relatives as being like a "battlefield".
Police and several ambulances were called to Streets Nightclub, in John Street, Porthcawl, at around 1am on Sunday after an Audi S4 crashed into a smoking shelter.
Paramedics took 10 people, aged between 17 and 43, to hospital for treatment for leg injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening, while three others also attended an emergency department.
Among the injured was 19-year-old Sam Buffett.
His uncle Steve Thomas said it was fortunate no-one had been killed. Mr Thomas told Wales Online: "From what my nephew described of the incident it sounded absolutely manic. It's sheer luck that he's alive and that things weren't a hell of a lot worse."
Police later arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of drink driving and dangerous driving, while an 18-year-old woman is helping South Wales Police with the investigation. Both were taken to Bridgend police station.
Superintendent Andy Valentine said: "This was declared a major incident by the police and ambulance services. All three emergency services were deployed to the incident and work seamlessly to provide a fast and efficient response."
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board said nine people had serious trauma injuries, mainly to their lower limbs, and were admitted to hospital, some for emergency surgery.
Some eyewitnesses reported seeing a white car being pursued by a police van shortly before the incident.
Police said "an internal investigation was under way" and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) had been informed.
A spokeswoman for the IPCC said: "I can confirm that we received a referral in the early hours of today (Sunday) and we are currently assessing the level of involvement, if any, that the IPCC will have."
After news of the crash broke, several local residents expressed their shock and horror on social media.
Coral Miriam said: "Something awful happened in our little town tonight. My thoughts and prayers go out to those hurt."
While Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon ?wrote: "My thoughts are with those injured last night outside Streets Porthcawl their families & friends. A night out & lives changed in a moment."
South Wales Police is appealing for witnesses who saw the manner in which the car, a white S-registered Audi A4, was being driven before the incident to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 and quote incident number 151.
