BUFFALO TWP — Three people were taken to Pittsburgh hospitals by medical helicopter and one by ambulance early Saturday morning following a one-vehicle crash Friday night on Silverville Road.

All four men, described by township police as likely in their early 20s, were thrown out of the car when it crashed and rolled over at 11:23 p.m. near 2078 Silverville Road.

“It looks like (the driver) failed to navigate a curve properly, lost control and left the road. The vehicle sheared a utility pole, causing it to barrel roll, ejecting the occupants in the process,” said Officer Rich Baney.

He said none of the four men was wearing a seat belt, and all of them suffered severe injuries.

The crash was so violent that the car’s engine also was thrown out as the vehicle tumbled.

Baney said excessive speed is thought to have been a factor in the crash.

Buffalo Township and Freeport police, as well as the state police collision reconstruction team were on the scene.

Baney said Silverville Road was closed while crews worked to investigate and to clean up by about 4 a.m. Saturday.