Impaired charges laid after car crashes in Pelham and bursts into flames

A 19-year-old Pelham man has been charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm following an accident that left two female passengers seriously injured.

On Monday, at about 10:55 p.m., Niagara Regional Police responded to a serious single-vehicle collision in Pelham.

Investigation determined that the driver was operating a white 2016 Ford Focus with two passengers in the area of Rolland Road, near Sulphur Springs Drive.

The driver was unable to negotiate a curve, lost control of the vehicle and entered a ditch before striking a tree.

The vehicle burst into flames, extinguished by members of Pelham Fire Department.

The driver was able to exit the vehicle on his own, but the two female passengers had to be rescued from the burning vehicle by a local resident and a passing motorist.

One of the passengers, a 19year-old from Thorold, sustained serious injuries to her lower body.

The second female passenger, a 19-year-old from Pelham, sustained critical, but non-lifethreatening injuries.

The 19-year-old male driver, Pelham resident Benjamin S. Wayda, has been arrested and charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm.

Anyone with information is asked contact police at 905-6884111 ext. 3300.