A 17-year-old girl has died after being struck in a collision involving three vehicles on a dual carriageway in Monmouthshire, with the incident prompting a significant police investigation and widespread community mourning.
The collision occurred at approximately 12:25 PM on Thursday, February 12, 2026, on the A4042 in Cwmbran, between the Crown and Turnpike roundabouts. Demi Edmunds, from Caldicot in the same county, was the sole pedestrian involved and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Gwent Police.
Emergency services, including the Welsh Ambulance Service, attended, and the A4042 was partially closed for over ten hours following the incident. Police said one northbound lane remained open, but the southbound carriageway was shut, with diversions in place.
Tributes to a ‘one of a kind’ teenager
Demi’s family has paid heartfelt tribute to her, describing her as “once met, never forgotten”. In a statement, they said she was a “beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin and niece” who “loved her friends, and she was loved by all”.
Her brother, Jake, said: “Demi was the best sister I could’ve ever asked for. She was funny, kind and caring. Me and her were very close, she was like a best friend to me that I could trust with anything and everything, but she’s no longer with us any more. Hopefully she’s in heaven, somewhere better.”
The family has requested privacy to grieve and is being supported by specialist officers, Gwent Police confirmed.
Childhood friend Emily Jo, 18, described Demi as a bubbly, smart, and strong-minded person who was “one of a kind”. She added that Demi loved travelling to see friends, drawing, and baking.
Appeal for witnesses and community response
Inquiries into the collision are ongoing, and Gwent Police have appealed for anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time, to come forward, quoting log reference 2600046163. No information regarding arrests or charges has been released.
The tragedy has devastated the local community, with friends organising a balloon release in Demi’s memory. This is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at 2 PM at the Oasis Fields in Cwmbran.
The incident occurred as Wales was bracing for colder temperatures, with forecasts of rain, sleet, and potential snow on higher ground, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety during adverse weather conditions.
