A young man, just 24 years old, is clinging to life in the hospital following a harrowing car crash that occurred Wednesday night on Lake Shore Boulevard.

Emergency services raced to the scene near Colborne Lodge Drive, south of High Park, moments before 8:50 PM after reports of a devastating accident.

According to Duty Insp. Brian Maslowski, the driver was speeding eastbound on Lake Shore Boulevard when he lost control, struck a curb, and collided with a hydro pole. The impact was so severe that the vehicle burst into flames.

Witnesses quickly scrambled to assist the driver, but just a minute after the crash, a massive fire erupted, complicating rescue efforts.

Firefighters arrived swiftly and battled the inferno engulfing the vehicle. Platoon Chief Tony Wallace described the scene as "horrific," noting the challenges their team faced in extricating the driver, who had become trapped under the fallen pole.

"This was one of the worst accidents I've seen in my 37 years on the job," Wallace commented. "We utilized nearly every tool at our disposal to save him."

The driver was swiftly transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he remains under intensive care.

Toronto Hydro was on-site to assist, and officials have since reopened the affected streets. Maslowski is urging anyone who saw the crash to come forward as an investigation unfolds.

As the community rallies in support, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the unpredictable nature of accidents.