Rasim Ljajic, the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Serbia, was injured Sunday morning in a severe car crash that occurred on the Belgrade-Nis highway at 9 a.m. under still undetermined circumstances. His close associate who drove the vehicle died in the accident.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the accident happened near the eastern town of Razanj and Branko Gogic, the driver, succumbed to injuries at the site.

Ljajic was hospitalised at the Clinical Centre Nis, whose staff said he suffered chest injuries but his life is not in jeopardy.

Ljajic is the former Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Minister of Serbia.