(Red Oak, Iowa) – The operator of a motorcycle was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Nebraska, following an accident Friday night, in Red Oak.

According to Red Oak Police Department, the accident happened at the intersection of North 5th and East Elm streets around 10-p.m.  Authorities say 30-year-old Nathan Allen Aldrich, of Red Oak, was driving a friend’s 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on North 5th Street when he lost control of the bike.

The machine skidded on its right side until it gouged into the road and flipped to its left side. Aldrich was ejected. He and the cycle came to rest under a parked 2008 Dodge minivan registered to John Marsh. Aldrich was transported by Red Oak Rescue to the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital and later taken by LifeNet 1-1 to the UNMC in Omaha, where he was reported to be in critical condition as of the last report.

Police said speed and alcohol were believed to be contributing factors to the wreck, which remains under investigation. Authorities said also, motorcycle was being operated in a reckless, erratic or careless, negligent manner, sustained $10,000 damage. Damage to the van was estimated at $2,000.