Fremont, IN - Alcohol is believed to be a factor in a motorcycle accident Thursday night west of Fremont.

According to the Steuben County Sheriff's Department, deputies responded to the area of State 120 near the I-69 overpass in Steuben County's rural Jamestown Township on a report of a motorcycle accident.

Upon the arrival, first units on the scene found a single motorcycle was located along with two occupants. An initial crash scene investigation revealed that a blue and white 2010 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle driven by 45 year old Benner L. Merrick of rural Fremont was traveling eastbound on State Road 120 from State Road 127 when the he lost control of the motorcycle possibly due to a tire malfunction.

The motorcycle then went down on its side causing Merrick and his rear seat passenger, identified as 35 year old Deann J. Bond of rural Fremont, to be thrown from the motorcycle. Neither Merrick nor Bond were wearing helmets at the time of the crash and both suffered injuries to the head.

Merrick and Bond were transported to a Fort Wayne area hospital in serious condition by Steuben County EMS for medical treatment.

The weather was clear and the roadway dry at the time of the crash.

Authorities believe alcohol is a factor in the cause of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Steuben County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.

Assisting the Steuben County Sheriff's Office at the scene were the Fremont Police, Fremont Fire Department, Steuben County EMS, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, and the Indiana State Police.