2 Injured When Car Plows Into Santa Clarita Gas Station

SANTA CLARITA (CBS) — Firefighters used the jaws of life Friday to rescue two people trapped inside a vehicle that crashed into a Chevron gas station in Santa Clarita.

The accident was reported at 2 a.m. near Newhall Avenue and Sierra Highway, Dispatch Supervisor Michael Pittman of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies say this all began when authorities tried to pull over a Nissan 350z that was literally stopped in the middle of the road. That driver took off and then slammed into the gas station.

The force of the crash sent the canopy to collapse on top of the Nissan and a small fire started, which deputies were able to put out with a fire extinguisher.

The driver was taken from the scene to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery. His passenger, a woman, was also transported to a hospital with a less severe injury.

Deputies say the driver will be charged for failure to yield.

It could take a few weeks to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.