Police say an impaired driver was behind the wheel in a crash that seriously hurt two young men from Thorold.

Investigators say a truck lost control on Burleigh Hill Drive near Dalecrest Avenue in St.Catharines just before 6p Friday slamming into an oncoming car with three young men inside.

Emergency crews had to cut the young men free from the damaged vehicle.

The driver of the truck, a 49 year old Thorold man has now been charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm.

The impact caused serious injuries to a 22 and 23 year-old.

A 21 year-old received minor injuries.

This collision remains under investigation by Detectives of the Niagara Regional Police - Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, extension 5500.