PERRY TWP, Clarion County — State police are awaiting autopsy results on a Parker area man whose body was found badly burned in a large van that crashed Saturday morning not far from his home.

Authorities believe Charles Wiencek, 23, died accidentally when the 1992 Dodge van caught fire after crashing at Doc Walker and Bailey roads, about 10 miles east of the Butler County line.

Wiencek's body was burned beyond recognition, and investigators had to use dental records to identify him, said Clarion County Coroner Terry Shaffer.

"The preliminary cause of death is smoke inhalation," Shaffer said. "But we're still waiting for the autopsy and toxicology reports."

Forensic pathologist Dr. Eric Vey, of the Erie County Coroner's Office, conducted the autopsy Sunday.

Police this morning declined comment on the investigation.

Amotorist about 6 a.m. driving to work came upon the fiery crash and, after driving back to his parents' house nearby, called police.

However, by the time the fire department arrived, the fire was out, police said. Firefighters later noticed human remains inside the van, which was destroyed in the fire.

Shaffer said he did not know where Wiencek was going to or coming from when the work-style van crashed. He noted that the crash occurred "within eye sight" of Wiencek's home in the section of Perry Township known as "Dutch Hill."