Nine people reportedly were injured in three separate vehicle crashes Tuesday afternoon on Highway 101 in Goleta.

The first, involving multiple vehicles, occurred at about 5:20 p.m. in the southbound lanes south of Fairview Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The second crash, also involving multiple vehicles, was reported about 15 minutes later in the northbound lanes in the same area.

The third incident was reported on northbound Highway 101 between Patterson Avenue and Turnpike Road, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department said.

Nine people were transported to local hospitals by American Medical Response ambulances, including seven people from the first two incidents and two from the third incident.

The patients had minor to moderate injuries, according to the County Fire Department.

The crashes were blocking lanes and causing major traffic back-ups during the evening commute.

No additional information was available.

Check back with Noozhawk for updates to this story.