MONROE — A one-vehicle crash early Sunday north of Monroe critically injured a passenger and resulted in a drunken driving charge against the driver, according to the Green County Sheriff’s Office.

The passenger, Benjamin T. Murray, 23, Monroe, had to be extricated from the vehicle and was later flown by Med-Flight helicopter to the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison for treatment of his injuries.

He was listed in good condition at the hospital as of Monday morning, according to a hospital spokesperson.

The driver, Mitchell W. Riese, 23, Monroe, was arrested on a first-offense charge of causing injury by operating while intoxicated. It is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in jail.

The accident was reported at about 3 a.m. Sunday in the N4200 block of Benkert Road, Town of Monroe. An investigation by deputies showed that Riese was westbound when he lost control on a curve, went off the road and hit a tree.

Both Riese and Murray were taken by ambulance to the Monroe Clinic ER for treatment of injuries. Murray was then flown to UW Hospital from Monroe Clinic.

Both men reported wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. The airbags deployed, and the vehicle sustained “very severe” damage, according to the press release from Patrol Sergeant Bernie Roidt. It was towed.

In addition to the criminal charge, Riese was cited for failure to maintain control of a vehicle and unsafe lane deviation. He posted bond and was released pending court. State court records show no criminal history for Riese.