LOVELL – A young man died and three others were injured when a speeding pickup truck hit a tree and burst into flames early Monday morning.

State police say speed was a factor in the 12:50 a.m. crash on the Old Waterford Road that killed Chester Allen, 23, of Lovell. Injured were the driver, Christina Bailey, 20, of Limerick; Allen’s brother Cory Allen, 18; and Jacqueline Pierce, 15, of the Lovell area.

Alcohol is being investigated as a contributing cause, state police spokesman Steve McCausland said.

The group was headed to meet friends at a gravel pit on the road when the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado that Bailey was driving went out of control and struck a large oak tree on the front passenger side. The truck burst into flames a few minutes after impact, with Chester Allen, who was in the front passenger seat, pinned inside.

McCausland said one or more of the surviving crash victims tried to free Allen from the burning truck, but were unsuccessful. After the initial impact, the truck buckled up and slammed against the tree again with its roof, then settled back on its wheels.

Trooper Michael Smith investigated the crash, while Sgt. Richard McAlister performed an accident reconstruction.

Bailey was taken by ambulance to Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, and was later transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she was listed in serious condition at Maine Medical Center.

Cory Allen and Pierce were taken to Bridgton Hospital for treatment.

None of their injuries are life-threatening, McCausland said.

Another fatality that occurred Monday morning on Route 2 in Dixfield is being investigated by Dixfield Police. Two motorcyclists were killed this weekend on Maine roads. One was on Main Street in Madawaska and the other on Route 17 in Township D in Franklin County.