Bridgeport police say a man is lucky to be alive after his car went airborne and crashed into a telephone pole Friday night, triggering an explosion.

They say the incident happened near Newfield Avenue around 11:15 p.m.

According to police, the driver of a van first crashed into a car, then struck a telephone pole and flipped over. They say the angle of the impact caused the vehicle to go airborne.

"We all started running and the guy was stuck on the door," says witness Fernando Ruiz, of Bridgeport. "Fire everywhere."

Officials say the driver was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be cut out.

Police say the victim was then rushed to Bridgeport Hospital after suffering heavy blood loss. They say he lost an ear and suffered severe injuries to his face and body.

Authorities say speed was definitely a factor in the accident, which remains under investigation.