Minivan hits car, crashes into Middletown house; occupants flee

A minivan caught fire Wednesday evening after it crashed through the front of a Middletown house and the occupants ran from the smoking wreckage, according to Middletown police.

The van crashed into a house in the 4000 block of Central Avenue across from Curryer Road, west of Breiel Boulevard, at about 5:10 p.m. When police and fire arrived, both the house and the vehicle were on fire.

According to witnesses and a preliminary investigation, the van was traveling recklessly south on Curryer and hit another vehicle. Police said the van fled that crash, speeding away, losing control and hitting the house.

All in the van ran away, but a passenger has been found by officers, according to Deputy Chief Earl Nelson. The search continues for others, including the driver.

A person in the residence was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Middletown Division of Police at 513-425-7700.