An area law-enforcement officer and his wife were flown from the scene of a motorcycle crash in Benton County on Sunday.

A report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol says the crash occurred as the back tire of a southbound bike, driven by 48-year-old Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox, began to shred, which caused the driver to lose control. The motorcycle overturned, impacted a bridge and ejected both occupants.

Eric Knox and 50-year-old Joy Knox were flown by Life Flight helicopters to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of serious injuries.

The crash happened at 5:35 p.m. on Missouri Highway 7 at Mile Long Bridge.