CONNOQUENESSING TWP — State police say they are investigating if alcohol was a factor in a near head-on crash on Route 68 late Saturday night that left one driver hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

Cody J. Turner, 21, of Butler had to be freed from his wrecked pickup truck before being flown by medical helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, authorities said.

He was listed in critical condition this morning.

The other driver, William M. Baxter, 24, of Callery apparently suffered only minor injuries and fled the scene after the crash, police said.

Baxter, accompanied by his father, turned himself in to police on Sunday, according to police Lt. Eric Hermick.

Investigators said Baxter was traveling west on Route 68 about 11:40 p.m. when his 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup crossed into the opposite lane and collided with Turner’s eastbound 1998 GMC Sonoma.

The collision just south of Orchard Drive sent Baxter’s pickup rolling onto its roof and knocked Turner’s truck into the westbound lane. Neither driver was wearing a seat belt, police said.

Connoquenessing firefighters were called and extricated Turner.

Police, meanwhile, believe Baxter had been drinking at a bar in Butler Township before the crash. But Baxter reportedly admitted having consumed only one beer that night.

Hermick said police continue to investigate if alcohol could have contributed to the wreck.

He noted that Baxter, at the minimum, would likely face a charge of fleeing the scene of an accident and possible other traffic offenses.