2 injured when motorcycle hits guardrail

A motorcycle accident in Hillside sent two people to the hospital in critical condition Sunday afternoon, police and fire officials confirmed.

The accident occurred about 2:45 p.m. when a motorcycle driver carrying a passenger going west on Interstate 290 attempted to exit onto Route 38 and crashed into a guardrail, Hillside Fire Lt. Jim Flynn said.

Both riders were ejected from the motorcycle. Paramedics on the scene determined that the passenger's injuries may have been life-threatening and required surgery, Illinois State Police said.

The riders were transported to Loyola University Hospital where their conditions were downgraded to critical but not life-threatening, according to Illinois State Police Sgt. Nick Hasan.

State police are still investigating the cause of the crash, Hasan said. Until an official cause is determined no citations will be issued.