A YOUNG Elgin City footballer remains in a critical condition following a road accident in Moray.
Chris Tucker (21) was seriously injured when the black Vauxhall Corsa motor car he was a passenger in left the road and struck a tree.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary said he was still in a criticial but stable condition.
The driver of the black Corsa, Darryl McHardy, and another passenger,Connor Macaulay, were treated for less serious injuries.
A silver Vauxhall Corsa which was involved in the collision also left the road, however the three occupants of that vehicle, Stewart Black, Ceiran McLean and Aaron Hamilton, suffered minor injuries.
All the men are under-21 players with Elgin City Football Club and were returning from a game in Dingwall.
Sergeant Chris Whelan, who was at the scene, said: "This is a tragic incident which has left a young male in a critical condition.
"We are in the process of establishing the cause of the collision and the road will be closed for several hours to allow us to examine the scene.
"It is important that we trace all witnesses and I appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or its immediate aftermath to contact us at the earliest opportunity.
"I would also urge anyone who may have seen the black Vauxhall Corsa and Silver Vauxhall Corsa being driven eastwards on the A96 between Inverness and Alves sometime before 10.15 pm to get in touch."
Grampian Police has appealed for witnesses following the crash on the A96 Forres to Elgin road about 10.15 pm on Wednesday night.
Grampian Police can be contacted on 0845 600 5 700.
The road was closed for 12 hours as investigations were carried out.
"The thoughts of all at the club are with those involved in this incident and with their families," said Elgin City spokeswoman Christine Hunter.
For reaction and more information on the crash see 'The Northern Scot'.
