BUTLER TWP — Alcohol is believed to be a factor in a weekend crash that sent a pickup truck into an occupied house and the driver to the hospital, authorities said.

Township police said James E. Pahler Jr., 48, of Pittsburgh was traveling west on Whitestown Road abut 10:10 p.m. Saturday when he lost control of his 1979 Chevrolet C 1500 truck.

The pickup crossed over the eastbound lane and went over the curb before hitting the front of the ranch-style house at 219 Whitestown Road, investigators said.

Pahler was thrown out the driver’s side door of the truck. Police said emergency crews found him lying on his back next to the pickup.

“He was complaining of pain to his lower left leg and his mouth was bleeding,” Police Chief John Hays said of Pahler, who admitted he had been drinking before the crash.

However, no charges have yet been filed.

Pahler was taken by Butler Ambulance Service to an unknown Pittsburgh hospital. His condition was not known this morning.

A woman and her children were reportedly in the home watching television but they were not hurt, said Chief Toby Wehr of Butler Township Fire District 3.

Rich Kline owns the house, which had minor foundation damage. Wehr estimated damage at less than $1,000.