Victim of Scottish Borders minibus crash is pictured

The victim of the Scottish Borders minibus crash has been named as as Ross Jones Barker of East Lothian.

Mr Barker, 59, was travelling to Kelso Races with 22 other passengers and the driver when the minibus left the A6089 between Carfraemill and Gordon yesterday.

Of the 23 other men also on board, aged between 24 and 75, 14 were taken to Borders General Hospital, eight to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and one was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow.

Six remain in hospital with serious injuries, but all are considered stable at this time.

The road was closed in both directions until 9pm to allow the Road Policing Unit to conduct investigations at the scene and for the vehicle to be recovered.

Chief Inspector Steven Duncan of the Lothians & Scottish Borders Police Division said: “This has been an outing among friends and associates which has turned into tragedy.

“Our sympathies are with Ross’ family, who have respectfully requested privacy during this terrible ordeal as they try to come to terms with their loss. Our thoughts also remain with all those injured and their families.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues in the Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, who provided vital help in responding to this incident.

“We’re also very grateful to the NHS, Scottish Borders Council and the public for their support of officers and all those affected.”

The road was closed in both directions until 9pm to allow the Road Policing Unit to conduct investigations at the scene and for the vehicle to be recovered.

An investigation remains underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding this.

Hundreds of people from the local community have paid tribute to Mr Barker on social media.

Iain MacMillan wrote: "Condolences to the family of the one that passed away. May he or she Rest In Peace.

"Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

"Much love an thanks to the emergency services and hospital staff there to help."

Donna Smith said: This is so tragic heard all the sirens earlier and sort of knew this was once again a terrible accident on this road thoughts are with every1 involved."

While Wilma Kelly added: "Our thoughts are with all the families to all of them that are in hospital a speedy recovery and our condolences to the family who lost their loved one."

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