Saxonburg volunteer firefighters early Sunday morning had to put out a fire that destroyed a car, which crashed moments earlier on Dinnerbell Road in Jefferson Township. The unknown driver was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital with moderate injuries. His condition was not immediately known.

JEFFERSON TWP — A man was hurt early Sunday morning when the car he was driving crashed and ignited in fire on Dinnerbell Road near Ohara Drive, authorities said.

A neighbor heard the wreck shortly before 1:50 a.m. and rushed to help the driver, whose name was not immediately known.

The man suffered facial cuts and other injuries. An ambulance took him to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

State police are investigating but an accident report was not immediately available.

Emergency crews said the man was driving east on Dinnerbell Road when he drove off the road and traveled up an embankment, hitting and shearing off a utility pole. The four-door Ford Tempo spun completely around and caught fire.

“It looks like the fire started in the middle and back of the car,” said Chief Chris Ballina of the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company.

Brian Mikashus of Saxonburg said he was home with his wife when they heard “a weird noise” and saw a “small light that looked out of place” in the distance.

He got dressed and drove on Dinnerbell Road until he found the fiery crash.

He said he saw a small fire under the rear of the car.

While calling 911, Mikashus heard the driver call out. He moved to the driver’s side of the car and spotted the driver, who appeared dazed.

Mikashus was unable to open the driver’s door.

“I said, ‘The car is on fire. You need to go out the passenger window,” Mikashus said.

The driver moved to the passenger side and forced his way out the window.

Soon after, Saxonburg firefighters arrived. By then, flames had taken over the vehicle.