THESE are best friends Alex Williams and Karl Devlin who were tragically killed when the car they were travelling in plunged 100 feet down a quarry in Swffryd.

Today the devastated families pay moving tributes to the four victims of Wednesday's tragedy as police continue to try to piece together their final moments.

Nineteen-year-old Alex Williams, and 21-year-old Karl Devlin, both from Malpas, Newport, died along with Shane Powell, 29, from Pontypool, and 47-year-old Jack Magee from Aberbeeg.

The BMW they were travelling in crashed as they travelled along Swffryd Road near Crumlin, on Wednesday afternoon.

It emerged yesterday that the driver of the car, Mr Magee, was a paraplegic and the BMW was specially adapted to allow him to drive without the use of his legs.

Police said they were investigating the adapted controls of the car as a possible cause of the accident.

Alex Williams' family said they were mourning the loss of a "loving son, a loving brother, a loving uncle and a loving nephew."

They said: "He will be sadly missed and always loved by everyone who knew him.

"We would like to thank the emergency services for their help and the two men who helped assist at the scene. God bless you Alex."

And the family of Karl Devlin said his loss "will be felt by many people."

"Not only was he an extremely caring and loving son to us but a good friend to many," said a family statement. "He was well liked - and seemed to know everyone and was known by everyone in the area, including Alex Williams, his best friend."

Fred Powell, the father of Shane Powell, paid tribute to a "wonderful son." He said: "He was willing to help anybody and he will be truly missed by myself and my family.

"We are devastated by his death and would like to thank everybody for their support."

Jack Magee's brothers, Edward and Robert, said: "Jack was a very much-loved brother, friend and son and always will be."