MADISON TWP, Clarion County — A Rimersburg man was seriously hurt Friday when his dump truck rolled over and burst into flames in a crash in the township, state police said.

But authorities say Michael Wiant’s injuries could have been worse if not for another motorist who pulled him from the burning truck.

A medical helicopter later flew Wiant to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh with numerous injuries including third-degree burns and broken bones.

Police said Wiant was westbound on Route 861 about 4:10 p.m. Friday when for an unknown reason he lost control of his triaxle truck.

The vehicle slammed into a guardrail and traveled another 110 feet along the guardrail before hitting a utility pole and snapping the pole in half.

The truck rolled down an embankment and ended in a creek on its passenger side. Moments later, the truck’s engine compartment ignited in flames.

Police did not identify the passing motorist who helped Wiant, who also was on fire when he was pulled out of the truck cab.

Among his reported injuries were burns over more than 20 percent of his body, two fractured vertebras and at least one broken rib, and an open head wound.

The crash closed the road for about six hours.