A motorcyclist was injured Thursday night when he collided with a freight locomotive at a railroad crossing in New Holland, police said.

According to Officer Mark Willwerth, New Holland police, Robert Zimmerman, of Smoketown, who was celebrating his 38th birthday, was heading south on Diller Avenue at 10:05 p.m.

Witnesses in a car behind the motorcyclist said two locomotives that were attached but not pulling any cars, entered the crossing from the west.

The motorcyclist saw the locomotives "at the last minute," Willwerth said, and "hit the brakes. He flew off the motorcycle and hit the first engine."

Witnesses said the locomotive blew its horn to warn motorists of its approach, Willwerth said.

Liberty Fire Company, New Holland Ambulance and Ephrata Community Hospital's medic unit responded to the call.

Zimmerman was taken to Lancaster General Hospital by a SkyCare helicopter. The extent of his injuries is not known.

Willwerth said the motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet.

"If he wasn't wearing a helmet, it would be a completely different situation," Willwerth said.

The rail crossing at Diller Avenue has no blinking lights or gates to block traffic. The only warnings are railroad crossing signs.

• In Pequea Township, police and emergency crews were at the scene of a vehicle accident late Thursday night that injured three people.

The extent of their injuries was not known, but at least one person was reportedly trapped in a vehicle.

The accident happened about 11 p.m. in the southbound lane of Route 272 at Baumgardner Road.

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