A driver was taken to hospital with "moderate injuries" early on Sunday morning after the BMW M3 he was driving slammed into a lamppost and burst into flames in Riverside, California.

The driver was initially trapped in the vehicle but was pulled to safety by members of the public, according to witnesses.

Witnesses also stated that perhaps two vehicles were involved with one leaving the scene and that the two may have been racing down Arlington Avenue when the crash occurred.

Police are investigating the incident and at this time it is unclear whether speed or intoxication were a factor in the crash.

Riverside Fire Department responded to a traffic collision with fire. Arriving crews located a yellow BMW M3 fully involved in fire that crashed into a light pole and the wall of an adjacent apartment complex. The driver was initially trapped but according to witnesses, was rescued from the vehicle good samaritans. Witnesses also stated that perhaps two vehicles were involved with one leaving the scene and that the two may have been racing down Arlington Avenue when the crash occurred. The driver was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. The crash is under investigation by RPD and at this time it's unclear if speed or intoxication were a factor in the crash.