Police are continuing their investigations into the circumstances of a horrific accident that led to the death of a Buckie man.
While the victim is yet to be formally identified he has been named locally as Iain MacDonald who is understood to have lived in Buckpool and to have been in he 20’s.
Mr MacDonald was driving his Mini Cooper on the B9016 road between Buckie and Keith when it collided with a recovery truck – both vehicles burst into flames two miles from Aultmore at around 4pm on Tuesday.
Police say that the victim was alone in his car at the time of the accident – the driver of the truck escaped uninjured.
Sergeant David Pirie from the Aberdeenshire and Moray police unit said: “This was a tragic incident resulting in the death of a local man and our thoughts are with family and friends at this difficult time.
“Inquiries into the circumstances of the collision are continuing and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw either of the vehicles involved to come forward.
“I would ask anyone who has information which would assist our investigation to get in touch.”
Last night the local community was described as “devastated” at the loss of a man his cousin, Euan MacDonald, described as “the biggest ray of sunshine you could ever meet”.
Local councillor Gordon Cowie said: “What can you say under these circumstances? The community is devastated at the loss of such a young lad and my condolences go out to his parents and his girlfriend.”
Mr Cowie added that there had been a few accidents on the B9016 with upgrades already completed and more improvements planned. He added: “But today everyone is finding it hard to come to terms with such a tragic loss of life.”
The road remained closed throughout yesterday to allow investigations to continue and repairs to be made – it is expected that it will reopen this morning.