A car crash in Maple Ridge sent five people to hospital on Saturday night.

The single-vehicle crash occurred around 11:15 p.m. in the 11300 block of 232nd Street, said Ridge Meadows RCMP Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.

A 38-year-old man lost control of the 2006 Mazda, which rolled over into a ditch.

Paramedics, firefighters, and police attended to the scene to help with the injured people. One person was airlifted to hospital by Air Ambulance and the rest were taken to various hospitals.

“The injured passengers in the car are from Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Surrey,” she said.

All injuries are believed to be non-life threatening, and the crash is still under investigation by police.

Citizen helps police

A man, who was driving a black Ford pickup, was followed by a Good Samaritan over the Golden Ears Bridge to Maple Ridge after an alleged hit and run in Surrey.

The Ridge Meadows RCMP pulled over the 38-year-old Maple Ridge man and demanded a breath sample. The driver refused and was taken into custody.

Police are recommending charges of impaired driving against the 38-year-old Maple Ridge man.

He was later released with a court date in August. In addition to the proposed impaired driving charge, the suspect will have his driving privileges prohibited for 90 days, according to police.

“This file illustrates how citizens can help us keep our roads safer,” said Dunlop. “This individual had already had a minor incident in another municipality, and appears he was trying to avoid his responsibilities in that regard. Added to that are allegations his driving was impaired by alcohol, this driver had to be taken off the road as soon as possible,” she added.

“Without the assistance of the citizen who followed the vehicle and reported it to police, its unknown if more damage or injury would’ve occurred,” Dunlop stated.