Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

The 21-year-old Frenchman was yesterday listed in serious, but stable condition at the hospital's intensive care unit.

And while relieved by the news, family, friends and working colleagues were praying for his recovery.

Mr. Riou, who began working in Bermuda two weeks ago, was airlifted to the US on Thursday evening following a two-vehicle accident on Middle Road in Paget.

He was believed to have been travelling west when his livery cycle crossed the line and collided with a taxi near Fourways Inn Restaurant around 4 a.m. on Thursday.

The taxi driver was not seriously injured.

But Mr. Riou was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with serious internal injuries, including broken legs and wrists.

Through the efforts of Argus Insurance, Cambridge Beaches, and KEMH he was taken by air ambulance hours later to the US.

"We were very concerned that he would not make the flight or make it through surgery,'' Cambridge Beaches general manager Michael Winfield yesterday told The Royal Gazette .

"He has survived the surgery. But the next couple of days will be crucial.'' Mr. Winfield said he and other staff members were all anxiously awaiting news of Mr. Riou's condition.

A spokeswoman at Johns Hopkins University Hospital last night said Mr. Riou remained in surgical intensive care where he was in serious condition, but stable.

A member of his family was on route from France to be with him.

ACCIDENT AC