A Hall County teenager who police say caused a four-car collision Thursday has been charged, officials said.

Georgia State Patrol Trooper Jonathan Munger said the 17-year-old was driving a Ford Escape east on Ga. 369 when he crossed the center line of the road, smashing headon into a Subaru Forester.

The Subaru flew into the air and flipped over, before sliding into eastbound traffic and hitting a Ford Expedition.

“Upon impact, the (Expedition) became engulfed in flames,” Munger said.

The Ford Escape also hit a Dodge Durango, forcing the Dodge onto the shoulder.

Witnesses helped people out of their cars, Munger said.

A 52-year-old woman and two teenage girls, 14 and 13, escaped the Ford Expedition without being burned. A 71-year-old woman was pulled from the overturned Subaru.

Five of the victims, including the 17-year-old charged with causing the crash, were taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center without life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Dodge was treated on site for minor injuries.

The 17-year-old responsible for the crash told troopers he may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

“He was charged with failure to maintain his lane and failure to exercise due care while driving,” Munger said.

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