ST HELENA, Calif. -- Two Napa County Sheriff's deputies, racing to a reported stabbing at Bothe State Park, collided on Route 29 early Saturday, leaving one of the patrol cars a mass of twisted and melted metal in the middle of the highway after it burst into flames.

The two deputies -- Steve Paris and Bryan Sardoch -- both were injured in the crash along with a citizen who was taking part in a "Citizen Ride-a -Long" program, according to authorities.

Paris underwent overnight surgery at Queen of the Valley Medical Center for his injuries. The citizen was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center by ambulance and Sardoch was treated and released at the scene.

Authorities said Paris was just north of the St. Helena city limits when he lost control of his patrol vehicle and collided with a tree.

Sardoch, responding in a separate vehicle, collided with Paris' vehicle. Paris' vehicle sustained major damage and began to burn.

Authorities said the shaken Sardoch recovered quickly and removed Paris and the "Citizen Ride-a-Long" from the burning patrol vehicle.

CHP Officer Diego Flores said it was not yet clear how the accident occurred. He added the crash remained under investigation.