Footballer, 23, is injured in horror crash on Scots road - leaving his club 'immensely saddened'
A footballer is in hospital following a car crash at the weekend.
Hamilton Accies player Ben Williamson was injured in the single-vehicle smash at around 6.25am on Sunday and is not expected to play again this season.
The 23-year-old was a passenger in the car, driven by a 26-year-old man, when the incident happened in Dunfermline.
One of the men, believed to be the midfielder, was cut free from the wreckage with both taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary although their conditions are not known.
Police have confirmed the driver has since been arrested. Images on social media appear to show a severely damaged car with its engine in the middle of the road.
The club put out a statement saying: ‘Everyone at Hamilton Academical Football Club is immensely saddened by the news of the injuries sustained by Ben Williamson in a road traffic accident.
‘At this time, we cannot comment on the circumstances of the accident, but we shall support Ben appropriately and he has our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
‘Our thoughts are very much with him at this difficult time.’
Hamilton Accies player Ben Williamson (pictured) was injured in the single-vehicle smash at around 6.25am on Sunday
Mr Williamson came through the ranks of the Rangers youth academy before joining Hamilton on an 18-month deal in January this year.
He never played for the Ibrox team competitively but was loaned out to several other clubs before joining Hamilton. The midfielder had spells with Arbroath, Livingston, Raith Rovers, Dundee and Partick Thistle.
Hamilton manager John Rankin told the Daily Record: ‘First and foremost, the most important thing is that he is alive, that’s what I would say.
‘Football and what it means for the squad is irrelevant when one of our players has been in a severe accident.
‘My job and the players’ jobs right now are to make sure we can be as supportive to him as possible and help him in the long run.
‘I don’t think we will see Ben play again this season.’
He added the team will rally around the player offering him the support he needs and concluded: ‘He needs us now more than ever to get him through a tough period.’ Meanwhile, the player’s former club Partick Thistle posted on X:
‘Partick Thistle wish to pass on their best wishes to Ben Williamson who has suffered injuries in a recent car crash.
‘Ben’s current club @acciesfc have advised that he is unlikely to play again this season and everyone at The Wyre Stadium at Firhill is hoping that his playing return does come as quickly as possible.’
Police Scotland said: ‘Officers were called to Queensferry Road, Dunfermline after reports of a crash involving one vehicle at 6.25am on Sunday.
Mr Williamson was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (pictured)
‘Both the driver and passenger were taken to hospital. The 26-year-old driver was arrested and inquiries into the incident are ongoing.’
The road was closed for several hours for an accident scene investigation to take place.
A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue added: ‘Firefighters extracted one casualty from the car and handed them into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.’
The Scottish Ambulance Service said two ambulances were dispatched including a special operations response team and a critical care paramedic, adding: ‘Two patients were transported to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.’
