The roads of Wales witnessed a tragic incident in November 2026, when a reckless race between two brothers ended in a fatal crash. The incident, which occurred near Welshpool, Powys, claimed the life of Rhys Jenkins, a 41-year-old father-of-two, and left his nine-year-old son, Ioan, with severe injuries.
The brothers, Abubakr Ben Yusaf and Umar Ben Yusaf, were driving from Aberystwyth to Manchester when they decided to engage in a dangerous race. Their competitive driving led to a head-on collision with Rhys Jenkins’ Toyota Yaris, resulting in his instant death and Ioan’s critical injuries.
The Fatal Race
Witnesses described the brothers’ driving as aggressive and reckless. They were seen tailgating, flashing their headlights, and overtaking vehicles dangerously on the A483 between Newtown and Welshpool. The competitive nature of their driving was a significant factor in the crash, according to the court.
Abubakr Ben Yusaf, driving a BMW X3, lost control and drifted into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with Rhys Jenkins’ car. The impact was devastating, with Rhys Jenkins having no chance to avoid the collision. Ioan, who was in the car with his father, suffered two broken arms, a fractured rib, and a perforated bowel. He was airlifted to Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool for emergency treatment.
The Aftermath and Sentencing
The brothers fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving witnesses to help rescue Ioan from the wreckage. Umar Ben Yusaf returned to the scene about 40 minutes later and informed a police community support officer that the driver responsible was with him.
In Mold Crown Court, Abubakr Ben Yusaf was sentenced to 14 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and causing death while uninsured. His brother, Umar Ben Yusaf, received a sentence of two years and nine months for causing death and serious injury by careless driving.
The Impact on the Jenkins Family
The Jenkins family has been left devastated by the loss of Rhys and the injuries sustained by Ioan. Rhys’ wife, Caroline Jenkins, described the overwhelming pain of losing her husband and the life-changing impact on their family. Ioan, who is still recovering from his injuries, expressed his wish that his father could have been there to watch him grow up.
Rhys’ youngest son, Gruff, who was six at the time of the crash, recalled the moment he was told about his father’s death. He described it as the worst feeling of his life. The family has been struggling to cope with the practical consequences of Rhys’ death and Ioan’s injuries, as well as their own devastating grief.
Judicial Reactions and Police Statements
Judge Timothy Petts expressed the difficulty in summarizing the trauma the Jenkins family had endured. He emphasized that the brothers’ actions were unnecessary and reckless leading to appalling consequences. He noted that Rhys Jenkins had been driving perfectly properly and did nothing wrong.
Sergeant Sara John from Dyfed-Powys Police’s serious collision investigation unit stated that the sentences passed could not undo the tragic loss suffered by Rhys’ family. She hoped the outcome would provide some closure as they begin to move forward with their lives, which have been changed forever. She also highlighted the brothers’ utter disregard for other road users.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.
