A Langley resident was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after a single vehicle roll over Friday afternoon.

According to fire officials, it wasn’t clear how serious the injuries were.

“I’m not entirely sure what the extent of his injuries were,” South Whidbey Fire/EMS Chief Rusty Palmer said. “They were serious enough to call a helicopter, though.”

The wreck occurred around 5 p.m. Friday on Wilkinson Road near Witter Road in Clinton. The Langley man, 53-year-old Christopher Smith, was the only occupant in the vehicle, a Jeep Compass.

According to Palmer, it appeared the man was heading south on Wilkinson Road toward Clinton when the vehicle left the road and rolled over. Palmer said it was unknown why the driver exited the road. The man was trapped and was extricated by responders.

Washington State Trooper Heather Axtman said the vehicle collided into a tree.

Once extricated, responders transported the man to South Whidbey High School’s football field, where a helicopter was waiting to airlift him to Harborview Medical Center.

The man might also have a seat belt to thank for saving his life, as Palmer said it was “very possible” it prevented a worse outcome.

Responders closed both lanes of Wilkinson Road to traffic during the extrication and ensuing Washington State Patrol investigation.