By Catherine O’Hara, REVIEW STAFF

An air ambulance was called to the scene of a crash on Hwy. 6 Sunday morning to transport a seriously injured Hamilton driver to hospital after his vehicle was struck head-on by an alleged impaired motorist.

Ontario Provincial Police reports that, at approximately 7 a.m., a Ford pickup truck driven by a 28-year-old male was traveling south on the highway when, “for unknown reasons” it crossed over into oncoming traffic.

According to police, the driver of the Ford crashed into a Dodge pickup truck that was traveling in the right, northbound lane of Hwy. 6 at Safari Road, narrowly missing a marked OPP cruiser.

The driver of the Dodge, a 45-year-old Hamiltonian, was trapped in his vehicle and required the assistance of volunteer firefighters from Hamilton’s Freelton station, who managed to extricate him from the wreckage.

The man was stabilized and treated for neck and back injuries along with possible chest, pelvis and extremity fractures before being airlifted to Hamilton General Hospital, noted Paramedic Superintendent David Donais.

The 28-year-old motorist suffered no injuries. He was arrested at the scene of the Freelton crash for the impaired operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm. He was transported to the Burlington Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police where he underwent breath tests. He was subsequently charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle Over 80 mgs and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

The accused was held for a bail hearing, which is slated to take place today (Monday, February 6).

To ensure the safe landing of the air ambulance, as well as to facilitate the police investigation, Hwy. 6 between the 8^th Concession Road East and Safari Road was closed to traffic for approximately two hours.

Members of the OPP’s Traffic Support Unit continue to investigate the crash and encourage witnesses to call 905-681-2511.