Police say they responded to the scene around 6 a.m. and found the car on its roof and on fire.

The driver, 27-year-old Christopher Ellis of Litchfield, was out of the vehicle with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Ellis had managed to call for help before exiting the vehicle.

According to police, a neighbor saw Ellis lying on the ground outside his car as the fire was spreading towards him and was able to drag him across the road to safety.

Police say Ellis likely fell asleep while driving on Hallowell-Litchfield Road, causing him to miss a right hand turn in the roadway and crash into the tree.

His vehicle burst into flames and is a total loss.

Officials say alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash and charges are pending while toxicology testing is completed.

Ellis was wearing his seat belt which police say likely saved his life.