BY IAN CROUCH

Police believe a white hatchback involved in an early-morning crash at Charlestown may have been stolen.

The driver lost control of the car on the Pacific Highway near Warners Bay Road and slammed into a wall at about 1.15am on Monday.

The driver and two passengers fled, a third passenger – a female – suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital.

She’s reported to be in a serious condition.

Another occupant of the car – a male- turned up at the John Hunter Hospital 2 hours later with a seat belt burn injury.

The southbound lanes of the highway were closed for almost 6 hours – the crash scene has now been cleared.