A local man began a chain reaction that led to a six-vehicle crash on I-65 Monday afternoon, according to Kentucky State Police.

60-year-old Leitchfield resident Jerry D. Compton was travelling south in the center lane of I-65 at about 2:30 p.m. on Monday, March 4, when his Freightliner tractor trailer struck the rear of a 2013 Ford Escape being operated by John R. Warner, 61, of Goshen.

According to a press release from Kentucky State Police Master Trooper Norman Chaffins, Goshen’s vehicle became airborne after impact and overturned, landing in the left-hand lane of south-bound traffic.

Compton’s tractor trailer then continued on, striking a 2005 Pontiac Montana operated by 38-year-old Greensburg resident Tanya R. Martz, who was stopped in traffic.

Martz’ minivan then struck the rear of a 2011 Ford Transit Connect being operated by Natalie F. Mudd, 35, of Shelbyville. The Transit Connect turned sideways in the center lane of traffic and was struck in the passenger side by the Freightliner being driven by Compton. The vehicle was then pushed into the rear of a 1997 Volvo tractor trailer being driven by Steve D. Mabe II, 44, of Middletown, OH, according to the report.

As the Transit Connect spun sideways, it also struck the passenger door of a 2007 Jeep Commander operated by 49-year-old David Pruett, of Noblesville, IN.

Warner, the operator of the first vehicle to be hit, was airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital with life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition as of press time.

Mudd and Martz were each transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital by ambulance. Mudd was later transported by ambulance to the University of Louisville Hospital. Martz was treated and released from HMH.

Sargent Greg Hill, with Kentucky State Police, will be investigating the wreck.