Polo Model Escapes Flaming Truck

Ralph Lauren Polo's hunky model Tyson Beckford was injured after his truck crashed into a utility pole and burst into flames.

Beckford, 34, lost control of his 2004 red Dodge Ram shortly before 5 a.m. Monday and skidded into the pole, said police Detective Thomas O'Keeffe. The truck caught fire, and Beckford was able to pull himself out before it became fully engulfed in flames, police said.

Beckford, a West New York resident, was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center, where he was treated for head trauma and cuts, O'Keeffe said.

Bill Dauster, a hospital spokesman, said Beckford was treated at the hospital Monday afternoon and released.

"He was only taken care of in an outpatient way," said Dauster, who would not release further details.

Beckford's manager, Bethann Hardison, told the Daily News the injuries were not serious.

In 1995, Beckford was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" and named Model of the Year at the VHI Fashion Awards. Beckford also has appeared in movies such as "Zoolander," "Biker Boyz" and "Dream Street."

He has appeared in magazines such as GQ, Essence and Vogue.