Car catches fire after driver hits tree

A 19-year-old driver was critically injured in Nassau Wednesday night after police said he lost control of his car, struck a tree -- and the car burst into flames.

The accident occurred on northbound Merivale Road near Dorset Road in University Gardens at 10:15 p.m., Nassau County police said.

The identity of the driver has not been released, but police said he was hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Police said the teen suffered "multiple broken bones," including his legs, ribs and pelvis, after he lost control of his 2001 Mercedes-Benz, veered off the road and struck the tree.

Police said responding officers used fire extinguishers to protect the driver until he could be extricated by Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department volunteers, who also extinguished the blaze.

The car was impounded, but police said no charges were filed.