The Ohio State Highway Patrol said three people were injured in a crash involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 75 in Bluffton.

The Highway Patrol said the crash involved eight vehicles and occurred at around 11:30 Thursday morning on Interstate 75 near State Route 103.

Crash investigators say all eight vehicles were southbound on I-75 and when traffic had slowed near State Route 103 a semi driven by Barinder Sarao, 29, of Ontario, Canada struck the slower traffic causing a chain reaction of vehicles striking each other.

His semi entered the median, struck the cable barrier and came to rest in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75.

All lanes of I-75 in both directions were shut down for hours.

Of the vehicles struck, Barbara Andrews, 69, of Toledo, suffered serious injuries and was taken to St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima.

Crowell Owens, 57, of South Carolina, was seriously injured and transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.

Mary Starks, 53, from South Carolina, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

None of the other drivers or occupants involved were injured.

The Highway Patrol said Barinder Sarao was issued a citation for ACDA (assured clear distance ahead).

The Highway Patrol said alcohol and drugs are not suspected to have been factors in the crash.