"WHY oh why did this have to happen?" And it is the question dozens of heartbroken mourners are asking themselves after three people were killed in a horrific road accident in York.

Joel Corner and Daniel Wright, both 15, and popular Press van driver Peter Alexander, 57, of Dringhouses, were all killed on Thursday when an Audi A4 driven by Joel veered out of control on Stockton Lane, York, and smashed into Peter's van.

This heartfelt message, left by a friend of the two teenagers, was one of many new tributes left at the scene of the crash over the weekend.

Tearful friends and family of the two teenagers have been laying tributes at the roadside since the crash, as have friends and relatives of Mr Alexander.

Daniel's grandmother was among those who left messages. She wrote: "I love you Daniel. You will always be with me." Another mourner wrote: "Wish there was more I could have done."

Daniel's father, Ricky Wright, who had only been in touch with his son in the last three years, said he was still too shocked to talk about his loss.

Joel, whose address was withheld by police at the request of his family, and Daniel, of Kexby Avenue, in the Heslington Road area, both went to Archbishop Holgate's School.

Senior Investigating Officer Chris Redin said both teenagers were "nice young men" from caring families, and had made one stupid mistake.

He said: "They were not bad lads."

He said all three victims had large extended families and relatives were doing their best to help each other cope.

A tribute from two of Peter Alexander's nieces said that they wished they had had time to get to know him better. Another relative wrote: "The bar will be empty without you at the end of it."

A card from one of Peter's 10 siblings paid tribute to a much-loved brother.

It read: "I will miss you for the rest of my life but I will always love you and I will never forget you.

"You now walk with God and our parents."

Among the cards from Peter's five children was a message which said: "No matter where you are we will always be thinking of you, and you will be forever in our hearts."

Updated: 09:01 Monday, April 24, 2006