BYRON – A Lewiston man escaped injury Saturday afternoon in a fiery crash along Route 17 just south of Coos Canyon.

Oxford County Deputy Justin Brown said Oscar Cyr, who is in his early 20s, failed to negotiate a curve as he was driving south in a 1997 Mercedes about 4 p.m.

Brown said Cyr lost control of the vehicle. It then went off the road, rolled over and caught fire. It was destroyed.

Cyr then took off on foot into the woods. It is unknown whether passengers were in the vehicle.

Brown said speed was a factor in the crash. Investigations showed that there was about 335 feet of tire tread on the road before the rollover.

Brown said he expects charges to be filed. By Tuesday afternoon, Brown had not yet been able to talk with Cyr.

The accident was reported by a passer-by. Med-Care Ambulance Service and the Mexico Fire Department responded.

Brown said the accident remains under investigation.