A Blairsville man was killed Thursday after being ejected from a vehicle in Derry Township, according to state police and the Westmoreland County Coroner.

Christopher M. Howe, 36, was headed north on Route 217 near Cherry Street before 3 a.m. when authorities said he left the road, hit a guardrail and swerved across Route 217, hitting the other guardrail.

Troopers said the vehicle went airborne, hit a tree and burst into flames. The crash happened just south of Blairsville.

Howe was ejected and died at the scene, police said. He had multiple blunt force injuries. The coroner’s office said speed played a role in the crash and Howe was not wearing a seat belt.

Troopers did not detail the make and model of the vehicle involved in the crash. Stuart Funeral Home in New Florence will handle the arrangements.

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