By Margaret Harding

Published: Thursday, November 15, 2012, 12:09 p.m.
Updated: Thursday, November 15, 2012

A two-car crash in the West End injured five people, one of them critically, and a McKees Rocks police officer who happened upon it pulled two people from one car that caught fire.

Pittsburgh police Sgt. Dan Connolly said the driver of a Mazda headed outbound on West Carson Street turned left toward Corliss Street in front of a Plymouth heading inbound about 1:45 a.m. Thursday.

The Mazda's driver and a female passenger were hurt and taken to UPMC Mercy, Uptown, Connolly said. The woman was in critical condition.

Paramedics took three occupants of the Plymouth to Allegheny General Hospital, North Side, with minor injuries, Connolly said. He did not identify any of the people.

McKees Rocks police Officer David Finerty was returning to McKees Rocks from Night Court when he came upon the wreck, police Chief Robert Cifrulak said. Finerty saw the Plymouth against a hillside with its engine burning and two unconscious male passengers inside, Cifrulak said. Finerty radioed for help, and he and McKees Rocks Officer Ryan Coll pulled them from the car, Cifrulak said.

“They have a track record of doing this kind of police work,” Cifrulak said. “They're great officers to have” in emergency situations.

Connolly said Pittsburgh police are investigating and might charge the driver of the Mazda.

Margaret Harding is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-380-8519 or mharding@tribweb.com.

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