POTSDAM — The Newton Falls motorcyclist who suffered life-threatening injuries in an accident Thursday was listed in critical condition late Friday afternoon at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vt.

Ronald L. Swinyer, 50, was northbound on Route 72 behind another motorcyclist at about 3:45 p.m. A southbound tractor-trailer driven by Jesse J. Ferguson, 28, of 13 Ayres Road, pulled into the opposite lane to pass another tractor-trailer parked on the side of the road, police said.

The lead motorcyclist swerved out of the way, but Mr. Swinyer was ejected from his bike after crashing into the trailer section of Mr. Ferguson’s rig, police said.

He was taken to Canton-Potsdam Hospital after suffering what Detective Sgt. Brooks J. Bigwarfe called “heavy body and leg trauma,” then was flown to Fletcher Allen Health Care.

Detective Sgt. Bigwarfe said investigators remained on the scene past 11 p.m. Thursday. Police plan to compile evidence, including a check of the vehicles’ brakes, and move forward Monday.

“We’re going to review it Monday morning, then levy some charges Monday afternoon,” he said.

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