A teenager has died and another two are fighting for their lives following a horrific crash on the outskirts of Kirkcaldy on Sunday morning.
Seventeen-year-old Ethan King was named locally as the victim of the one-vehicle accident which took place on the A915 Standing Stane Road between Kirkcaldy and Methilhill shortly before 8.45am.
Ethan, formerly a pupil at Kirkcaldy High School, was pronounced dead at the scene, while another two men, aged 17 and 18, named locally as Ethan’s friends Connor Aird and Danny Stevens, also from Kirkcaldy, were taken to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh.
Connor is said to be in a critical condition, while Danny’s condition is currently described as stable.
Another 17-year old man, who is believed to have been driving the black Vauxhall Corsa involved in the crash, has been arrested and is receiving treatment for serious injuries at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Ethan was a key player for local football team Glenrothes Athletic.
The club released a statement on Sunday evening expressing its sadness for a youngster who clearly had a lot of potential.
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of our under 19s player Ethan King, who tragically died in a car accident this morning,” it said.
“Ethan has been a member of the team for many years, progressing through from 7-a-side to our under 19s squad, and was a crucial member of the treble winning team in season 2016/17.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Ethan’s family at this difficult time.
“RIP Ethan. Teammates forever.”
Social media tributes have also been paid by friends and family of Ethan in the hours that followed Sunday morning’s tragic accident.
Police initially confirmed that the incident involved just one vehicle which had left the roadway, and added that there had been “multiple” casualties.
Air ambulances were called to the scene and flew the injured parties to hospital in Edinburgh and Dundee.
The road was closed for most of the day as crash investigators set to work trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Councillor David Graham said he was “absolutely devastated” by the news.
“My thoughts go to his family at this very sad time for them,” he said.
“My thoughts also go to the other people involved in the accident who I understand are seriously injured.
“These incidents are incredibly difficult to manage for the emergency services who attended the scene any my appreciation goes to them for the excellent work that they do in situations like this.
“Such a sad day for everyone in our community – truly devastating.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they were called at 8.42am with two appliances from Methil summoned to assist.
A Police Scotland spokesperson appealed to anyone who saw a black Vauxhall Corsa in the area around the time to contact police on 101.
The accident is likely to prompt further calls for more safety measures along the notorious stretch of road, which has seen more than its fair share of bumps, shunts and more serious accidents over the years.
