Norwich – State police said Saturday that five people were hospitalized following a multi-car accident Friday on Interstate 395 South that temporarily shut down the highway.

A press release from state police states that the driver of a Cryogenic Transportation Inc. tractor-trailer caused the accident when he failed to slow down as he approached traffic.

The tractor-trailer crashed into the rear of another car, “setting off a chain reaction involving three other vehicles,” two of which were totaled, the release states.

Of the five drivers taken to The William W. Backus Hospital, one person – a man who had suffered a head injury – was later flown to Hartford Hospital, according to the release.

Police said Saturday they did not know the current conditions of the drivers and are still investigating the accident.