(AUBURN) – Three people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash that happened on I-69 in DeKalb County.

Indiana State Police say they responded at 3:15 Wednesday afternoon to a crash on I-69 near Mile Marker 332, approximately 3 miles north of Auburn.

Initial investigation revealed that northbound traffic on I-69 was slowed down or stopped due to road construction near the Waterloo exit. A semi driven by 70 year old James Crager of Angola was approaching the slowed traffic at a high rate of speed. Crager failed to slow down or take evasive action to avoid the congested traffic.

Crager's semi hit the rear end of an SUV that was in the right lane. The SUV went off the road and down into the ditch. The semi continued north, crashing into the rear of another SUV, and also forcing it off the right side of the road. Crager then crashed into the rear of a passenger car, which struck the rear of another semi. The passenger car sustained catastrophic damage.

The drivers of two other vehicles took evasive action and avoided the collision. They sustained minor damages to their vehicles and no injuries.

There were five people in the first SUV Crager struck, and they were all taken to Parkview Regional Medical Center. Two of the adult passengers were in critical condition and later died at the hospital.

ISP also says the man who was driving the passenger car sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-69 were shut down for over five hours and traffic was detoured. Crash reconstruction experts were called to help with the investigation.

Several police and fire agencies assisted at the scene.

Once the investigation has been finished, a report will be sent to the DeKalb County Prosecutors Office for review and to determine if any criminal charges may be filed.