Wareham first responders freed a 69-year-old Middleboro man who suffered “significant life-threatening injuries” after being trapped under a van Thursday afternoon, according to the Onset Fire Department.

The incident happened at approximately 1:14 p.m. in the parking lot of the Soft Touch Car Wash at 3083 Cranberry Highway in East Wareham where the man is an employee.

Officials said the man was struck by the van as it was exiting the car wash and was “dragged a short distance and remained trapped under the vehicle.” Police said the driver of the van is a 66-year-old Naples, Florida resident.

Onset firefighters arrived on the scene, secured the vehicle and raised it to free the man, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of his family. He was then taken to Tobey Hospital where he was flown to a Boston-area trauma center for treatment.

As of Friday morning, the man remained in critical condition.

The incident is being investigated by the Wareham Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Police said driver of the van was unaware the employee was struck initially and is not expected to face criminal charges.