A man escaped what could have been a fatal accident after his vehicle clipped a big rig, hit another and then caught on fire Monday morning on East Avenue.

The man was taken to the hospital with head, nose and hand injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision was reported around 10:30 a.m. Monday on East Avenue, near Pepper Street.

The man was driving a sports utility vehicle westbound on East Avenue and an unknown speed when he allowed the vehicle to drift slightly into the eastbound lane.

The SUV clipped a passing big rig, which spun it in a direction that caused the vehicle to strike another big rig before coming to a rest.

The man exited the vehicle and just moments later it ignited into flames, according to the CHP.

The Denair Fire Department responded and extinguished the vehicle fire.

The drivers of the two big rigs were not injured.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Initial reports indicate the SUV driver may have fallen asleep while behind the wheel.