The family of a woman seriously injured in a fatal car crash have sent their condolences to the family of the man who lost his life.

Evelyn Rewan, 29, is recovering in Massachusetts General Hospital following the accident that claimed the life of her old friend Winston (Yogi) Burrows in the early hours of Sunday.

It is thought Mr. Burrows, 44, offered to drive Ms Rewan home because he didn't think she was safe to drive herself after an evening in South Shore bars.

However, their car crashed into a truck, flipped over and burst into flames on South Shore Road, near The Swizzle, at about 1.30 a.m.

The Rewan family yesterday gave this newspaper a statement thanking the emergency services who helped after the accident and encouraging people to pray for everyone affected by the crash.

"Our family, and the other families involved, need a mouth full of compassion and prayers and words of encouragement, not discouragement and despair!" said the statement.

"So, let's help one another through this grief-stricken time. This could have been your daughter, nieces or nephews.

"This could have been your sons, uncles or fathers. Let's continue to encourage the families and hold them up in prayer.

"We want to send out a special thank you to the service departments: Police, ambulance and fire, for your dedication and assistance in this matter.

"Our sincere condolences to the family of the gentleman who lost his life. We pray God comforts you at this time."

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the accident, the fifth road death of 2009 and the fourth in a month, to call Sgt. Derricka Brangman at Somerset Police Station on 234-1010.