Lewiston man hurt in Auburn motorcycle crash

AUBURN — A Lewiston man was seriously injured Thursday when he became pinned beneath a van after striking it with his motorcycle on Route 4.
Steven Elwell, 48, was taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston after crashing at about 5:15 p.m. in front of Roy's All Steak Hamburger stand. Police said later Thursday night that Elwell was in serious condition at the hospital.
A witness said Elwell's Honda Goldwing struck the back of the van while both vehicles were headed north. Elwell was wearing a helmet but it came off in the impact, the witness said.
No one in the van, driven by Jill Welch of Wayne, was injured in the crash. Police said Welch had slowed in traffic to turn into Roy's when the van was struck from behind by Elwell's Honda.
Police closed down a section of Route 4 as emergency crews responded and police began an investigation. Northbound traffic was divertedaround the crash site through the parking lot of Wallingford Equipment .
The cause of the crash remained under investigation Thursday night.