The town of Brenes is in a state of shock after learning of the deaths of four of local youngsters in a car accident during the early hours of Friday morning as they were returning home after spending the day celebrating a first communion.

Three of the four victims were cousins (18, 19 and 21). The fourth, also 21, was one of two friends also travelling in the car, the driver of which survived with critical injuries. He is being treated at the Virgen Macarena Hospital, where he is reported to be out of danger.

The driver of the lorry with which the car collided head-on, survived with only minor injuries.

It appears that the car driver lost control and strayed into the path of the lorry that was travelling towards the provincial capital along the A-8008 freeway near El Gordillo.

A watch belonging to one of the victims that was found at the scene (photo) indicates that the accident occurred at 2.40am.

As a mark of respect for the victims and their families, Brenes council has cancelled all this weekend's bank holiday celebrations.