A 23-year-old Poland man has critical injuries from a motorcycle crash Thursday night in Pownal.

Deputies say Joseph Vallee was traveling northbound on Elmwood Road at a high rate of speed on his 2008 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle.

They say Vallee attempted to pass another vehicle on a blind corner over a hill and crashed into a tree after losing control.

He was taken to Maine Medical Center with critical injuries.

Deputies say speed and reckless driving appear to be primary factors in the crash, although Vallee was wearing a helmet.

Elmwood Road was closed for about 3 hours after the crash, which remains under investigation by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to the scene at 7:43 pm Thursday.