One person is dead and seven others injured in a multi-vehicle crash on North Lake Shore Drive Monday causing north and southbound lanes to close for hours, fire officials said.

Several ambulances were sent to the 4800 block of North Lake Shore Drive near Lawrence Avenue after the four-car accident about 5:57 p.m., authorities said. Southbound lanes were closed until Wilson until shortly after 9 p.m. Northbound lanes remained closed Monday night.

A driver identified only as "female" was southbound on Lake Shore Drive when the vehicle crossed the median into northbound traffic and struck three other vehicles, Chicago police said. The driver was transported to Illinois Masonic Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

"...lanes in both directions are shut down and will be shut down for some time," the Chicago Fire Department tweeted.

"Stay clear of the area until," the department warned.

Two victims were taken in critical condition to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, another victim, also critical, was taken to St. Francis Hospital, fire official said. One victim in serious condition and three others whose conditions had stabilized were taken to Weiss Memorial.

Fire officials originally said approximately nine people had been injured but later lowered that number to seven.