Chatham-Kent OPP closed the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 near Tilbury at Merlin Road Friday following a crash involving five vehicles.

Police were called to the scene of a chain reaction collision around 5:15 p.m. Friday.

According to the OPP, an eastbound tractor trailer stopped suddenly in slow moving traffic in the construction zone. The following tractor trailer collided into the rear of the first tractor trailer.

Three other tractor trailers were also involved in the collision.

In total, five vehicles sustained moderate damage and had to be towed from the scene.

Three of the drivers were transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Highway 401 was closed for nearly two hours to allow for the safe removal of all the tractor trailers involved.