LAKE COUNTY, Ohio -- Multiple people were injured, some critically, in a series of accidents on Interstate 90 in Lake County involving 15 semis and multiple other vehicles, officials said.

I-90 westbound and eastbound are closed from Route 528 to Route 44 while emergency crews transport people to local hospitals and clear the scene, the Lake County Sheriff's Office said. That portion of the highway is expected to be closed until at least 6:15 p.m.

ODOT is encouraging drivers to use State Route 2.

The first accident was reported about 2 p.m.