Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in two separate car crashes in Springfield Township early Saturday morning.

The Canton Post of the State Highway Patrol reports Jessica Thomas, 25, of Barberton was driving southbound on state route 241 near Massillon Road around 2:30 a.m.

Troopers say her car went off the side of the road striking a traffic sign, fire hydrant and an embankment before going airborne and striking a large tree.

Thomas was trapped inside the vehicle with her legs pinned under the steering wheel. She was not wearing her seat belt at the time of the accident, according to troopers.

Thomas had to be extracted from the car by Springfield and Lakemore EMS.

She was transported to Akron General Hospital with serious injuries.

Jeffrey Y. Spencer, a passenger in the car, was ejected from the vehicle. Troopers said he also was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. He was taken to Akron City Hospital and is listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. 

The second crash occurred in the same area while troopers were investigating the earlier crash.

Leeroy Lutz, 52, of Akron was driving northbound on state route 241 when he hit an unoccupied Springfield Township police cruiser parked on the side of the roadway.

The cruiser was blocking the road to secure the crash site.

Lutz was taken to Akron General Hospital with minor injuries.

Troopers believe alcohol was a factor in both accidents.