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       A 17-year-old driver was arrested in Fairfax County early Monday and later released after being involved in an alcohol-related crash that critically injured his six passengers, all teenagers, police said.

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       The crash occurred shortly before 5 a.m. near Pioneer Lane and Shreve Road in the county’s Merrifield area, Fairfax police Lt. James Curry said. He said the 17-year-old boy, at the wheel of a Lincoln SUV, was traveling at a high speed with a half-dozen young passengers when the vehicle crested a hill, went out of control and struck a tree, causing it to tailspin.

       Five of the juveniles were thrown from the vehicle and a sixth had to be extricated by rescue personnel, according to Curry, who described their injuries as life-threatening. The driver remained at the scene. He was arrested and later released in the custody of his parents, authorities said. Curry said police believe he did not have a driver’s license. As of Monday evening, police had not announced any charges in the crash.

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       All the juveniles in the SUV were ages 14 to 17, Curry said. He said they live in the area where the crash occurred and were either friends or relatives of one another. The passengers, most of whom were not wearing seat belts, were taken to hospitals, Curry said. The driver was not hospitalized, police said in an email.

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       “What’s clear is that speed and alcohol were absolutely factors in this crash,” Curry said at a news conference. “Sadly, without seat belts being worn for the occupants, that’s what likely led to some significant, serious injuries.”

       The driver, who was wearing a seat belt and was able to get out of the SUV, was taken into police custody, Curry said. Police did not say what his blood alcohol level was.

       “It’s easy to forget juveniles do partake in alcohol illegally,” Curry said. “It’s an important reminder that kids need to be responsible. Parents need to have conversations with their loved ones and make sure everyone’s safe. It’s a sad reminder that we need to make sure we wear our seat belts.”

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       The vehicle belonged to one of the young people who were in it, Curry said, adding that the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

       McLean High School sent an email to parents Monday to let them know that one of its students and “others from a nearby school” were involved in a vehicular crash. Longfellow Middle School also sent an email saying one of its students was involved in the crash. Both schools said counselors and a crisis team of psychologists and social workers are available to provide support.

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