The driver of this truck had to be extricated after crashing into a tree. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

SYRACUSE — It is still unknown why a driver of a pickup truck veered across the centerline and struck a tree nearly head-on Monday afternoon in Syracuse.

Rex C. Lewallen, 53, Syracuse, driver of the truck is listed in critical condition at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He suffered serious facial and head injuries as a result of the accident.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Syracuse Police continue their investigation into the accident at North Huntington and West Boston streets. The single vehicle accident occurred at 3:13 p.m.

Lewallen was southbound in a 2001 Dodge Ram truck when it veered off the roadway and struck a tree on the eastern edge of the road. Lewallen was flown to Parkview Hospital by Samaritan Air Ambulance.

The Kosciusko County Fatal team and Syracuse Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire Department and Paramedics, Samaritan Air Ambulance and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.