Two occupants of a car that struck an SUV broadside Wednesday afternoon in Forks Township ran off as their vehicle caught fire, before they were caught by police.
The crash occurred just before 4 p.m. as a Hyundai Elantra headed north on Mitman Road struck a Nissan Pathfinder that was headed west on Arndt Road, according to township police. The intersection is a four-way stop.
The driver and passenger, both male, of the Hyundai fled as the car burst into flames, police Cpl. Shawn Hummer said. Responding police emptied five fire extinguishers to try to get it under control before the Forks Township Fire Department arrived, he said.
Palmer Township police caught the driver at Penn Pump Park, and Forks police collared the passenger on Bushkill Drive near the park, according to Hummer.
The driver exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody for testing, Hummer said. He also faces charges in the crash.
The passenger was taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries suffered in the crash, and an officer was staying with him as he remained in custody, police said.
The lone, female occupant of the Nissan declined medical transport, Hummer said.
Police did not immediately have the names of those involved to release.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and on Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.