COCHRANE, Alta. - Officials say a motorcyclist lost a portion of his leg after the metal arm from a forklift fell off a truck and into his path Friday.

Officials said the man was traveling eastbound with a group of fellow bikers, when a semi-trailer approached from the opposite direction along Hwy 1A.

Cochrane Const. Francisco Ceron said police believe an arm of the forklift, part of a heap of scrap metal on a flatbed truck, fell into the path of the man on the motorcycle.

As a result of the accident, one of the biker's legs was severed below the knee.

No injuries were reported to the other bikers.

"It is very unfortunate," Ceron said.

Police are unaware of whether the driver of white, older model flatbed truck even knew he lost some of the scrap metal he was hauling and they are urging anyone who can help track the driver down to call (403) 851-8000.

The injured man is said to be in his 20s and from B.C.

nadia.moharib@sunmedia.ca