CHEVY CHASE, Md. (CBSDC) — Two people were killed when the stolen vehicle they were riding in lost control and struck a tree while being pursued by police in Chevy Chase early Friday morning.

Officers spotted the stolen Toyota Echo around 1:13 a.m., but the vehicle began to accelerate on southbound Connecticut Avenue before a traffic stop could be attempted. As the Echo entered Chevy Chase Circle it struck a tree and caught fire.

Officers were able to pull the driver and front passenger from the burning vehicle. However, attempts to rescue the two passengers in the rear of the vehicle were abandoned when flames completely engulfed the car. Those passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities are currently withholding the names of the deceased until the Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed their identities.

The driver, 16-year-old Reynard Osman of Washington, to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The front passenger of the car, 18-year-old Reeco Richardson of the 6000 block of Sligo Mill Road, NE, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to call 301-840-2435. Callers may remain anonymous.