Voluntown — A motorcyclist and his passenger were seriously injured Monday afternoon after the driver lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into a metal guardrail.

State police said at about 5:10 p.m. they responded to Route 138 near the Rhode Island border for a report of a motorcycle accident with serious injuries.

Police said Richard McGinity, 52, of Westerly, was driving a 2007 Harley Davidson eastbound on Route 138. Police said Denielle Paone, 39, also of Westerly, was his passenger.

Police said McGinity failed to safely negotiate a right hand turn just east of Green Hill Road.

Police said the motorcycle then veered into the westbound lane, striking a metal guardrail.

The motorcycle veered for about 100 feet along the guardrail before it crashed into the westbound lane.

Police did not say whether the pair were using helmets.

Voluntown fire and emergency medical personnel provided assistance until both were flown by Life Star helicopter to Rhode Island Hospital. Their condition was not immediately available Tuesday.

The accident scene was closed for three hours while the State Police Collision and Reconstruction Unit investigated the accident.