COLTON – Four people were hospitalized including one being airlifted to Fletcher Allen hospital in Vermont following a two-vehicle car crash on State Highway 56 Wednesday afternoon, according to St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies.

Deputies say a vehicle driven by Thomas E. Belton, 19, Homer, was traveling north on St. Hwy. 56 near the Tucker Road when his vehicle crossed over into the south bound lane striking a vehicle being operated by Cynthia M. Erwin, 59, Colton.

Belton was reportedly transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital for injuries to his lower body and head and later flown to Fletcher Allen Medical Center.

Erwin was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital for injuries but details were not provided.

Michelina E. DiMatteo, 18, Brasher Falls and Emily R. Colloca, 18, Babalon, were both passengers in the Belton vehicle and transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital for their injuries, officers said.

Sheriff’s deputies say they responded to the accident at 4:42 p.m. and were assisted on scene by Colton fire and rescue, Pierrepont Fire Responders, Parishville and Potsdam rescue and the New York State Police.

The investigation is continuing and charges are pending, deputies said.

Belton was previously charged at 12:36 a.m. on Wednesday for avoiding a traffic control device in the town of Potsdam, according to Potsdam police.

He reportedly was observed traveling from Elm to Main Street via the police department parking lot thus avoiding a traffic light, officers said.

He was issued an appearance ticket to answer the charge at a later date.