Merced Police say alcohol is suspected to be involved in last night’s collision involving several vehicles.

Officers responded to East State Route Highway 140 near Kibby Road at around 11:35 Sunday night for reports of a multi-vehicle crash with a vehicle on fire.

Merced California Highway Patrol officers units were in the area due to road work when they heard the collision.

CHP officers were able to pull out the solo occupant of the burning vehicle before it was fully engulfed.

Authorities say a 43-year-old man struck a vehicle that was stopped, causing it to rear-end four other vehicles.

Police say occupants on the other involved vehicles received only minor injuries.

The driver of the pickup that caused the collision was flown to a Modesto hospital and is in critical condition.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Crain at 209-388-7754 or by email at crainl@cityofmerced.org.