2 critically injured in Opelika crash involving 18-wheelers, passenger vehicles

OPELIKA, AL (WSFA) - The Opelika Police Department is investigating a serious crash on U.S. Highway 280 that involves at least two 18-wheelers and two passenger vehicles.

The crash occurred just after 8 a.m. at the intersection of Birmingham Highway (U.S. 280 West) and Grand National Parkway where Shelton Mill Road intersects with Hwy. 280.

A preliminary investigation indicates one of the 18-wheelers was stopped for a traffic light facing east on Hwy. 280 when it was hit from behind by the second 18-wheeler.

The passenger vehicles were damaged because of the 18-wheelers' impact and because of debris thrown into the road.

Both truck drivers are said to be in critical condition and were both flown by medical helicopters to nearby hospitals. While not named, authorities say one driver, 60, is at East Alabama Medical Center and the other driver, 53, was taken to Columbus Regional Medical Center.

The drivers of the passenger vehicles, taken to EAMC, as said to have received injuries that were not serious.

An investigation is ongoing.

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