A young driver is in hospital in critical condition after crashing his car into a tree Tuesday afternoon.

Coquitlam RCMP said the vehicle was travelling southbound on Shaugnessy Street just before 4 p.m. when the driver lost control of the car.

The car ended up crossing the centre line before crashing into a tree on the other side of the road.

The driver, who was described as "young" by police, was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

On Wednesday, he was still listed in critical condition.

Shaugnessy near David Avenue and Lodge Drive was shut down for a time while police investigated.

RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung said no charges have been laid, but investigators believe speed was a factor in the incident.

The road was also wet at the time of the crash, and the scene was near a major curve.

"If you're going too fast, you're not going to be able to make the curve," Chung said, adding it was lucky no other cars were involved.

The vehicle was totalled in the crash.

jdeutsch@thenownews.com