ALBANY — Michael Carr admitted responsibility for the crash that caused his car to burst into flames, leaving a friend with burns that still require constant hospital care, and igniting the fire that destroyed Blessings Tavern.

As part of a plea deal, Carr will not face upgraded charges if the passenger, Niko DiNovo, dies from injuries that have left him in a downstate burn unit for more than a year.

Carr, 19, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol before Albany County Judge William Carter Tuesday. He faces six years in prison and three years of post-release supervision. He will be sentenced on Jan. 30.

A group of teenagers and some families attended Carr's court appearance. The air was tense. Sniffles echoed in the courtroom.

At around 11:04 p.m. on Oct. 28, 2016, Carr crashed his car into a truck parked outside Blessings Tavern, pushing it into the tavern.

Carr said during the court appearance that he was driving at 60 mph in a 30 mph speed zone, and admitted he lost control of the car because of his speeding. He also said he drank one mixed drink of Coca Cola and Captain Morgan Rum around 10 p.m. the night of the accident, and smoked "about a gram" of marijuana around 8 p.m., which impaired his ability to drive.

"The bar caught on fire and there was an explosion and Niko was seriously hurt," Carr told the judge.

DiNovo, 17, remains hospitalized in the burn unit at Westchester Medical Center. His parents have kept vigil and supporters have held fundraisers to help the family pay for the cost of his care.

Carr had been free on bail but he was sent to the county jail Dec. 1, according to news reports. He was jailed for one alleged instance of underage drinking and for allegedly overdosing on Xanax.

After Carr was indicted in April, Carter agreed to release him under the supervision of the county probation department.

Carr faced vehicular assault, reckless endangerment and driving while ability impaired by drugs. His trial was set to begin Jan. 8.