Vienna Township police say a 20-year-old Poland man is in "critical condition" following a "freak accident" at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Wednesday. 

Police say 20-year-old Zachary Norris was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown after he suffered a head injury from a propeller. 

21 News was told Wednesday that Norris and 28-year-old Cody Keller, of New Castle, were working on an aircraft motor that was sitting on a block. 

Vienna Township police say the propeller did not have a safety wire connected to it that would stop the engine from starting.

According to officials, the propeller blade struck Norris in the head, causing a "severe laceration." Keller suffered broken bones. 

According to official Norris underwent surgery Wednesday, and remains in critical condition. 

Police say they contacted OSHA, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Federal Aviation Administration but they all said the accident did not fit the kinds of incidents they investigate. 

The campus of the PIA remained closed Thursday following the incident. 

A statement from the school, released on Wednesday, says the school will be conducting an investigation into the incident. 

STATEMENT: SUZANNE MARKLE, PRESIDENT & CEO, PITTSBURGH INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS

On Wednesday morning shortly after 10:30 A.M., two students of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Youngstown Campus were injured by a propeller during a training experience.

We are extremely grateful for the rapid response by 911 and the EMTs on site. 

We are not able to comment on the extent of the students’ injuries at this time.

PIA is committed to a safe learning environment for all students and staff. Today’s incident reinforces the crucial importance of this mission. We will be conducting a full investigation into what happened today, and will be cooperating fully with all appropriate authorities.

The Youngstown campus is currently closed and will also be closed tomorrow, March 28th, in order that these activities may continue without interruption or delay. 

The students involved and their families are in our hearts as we wait for more information to become available.