Six people were injured — three critically — in a multi-vehicle collision Thursday afternoon on Highway 1 near Lompoc, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The crash involving four vehicles occurred shortly before 5 p.m. near the Santa Lucia Canyon Road offramp, according to the California Highway Patrol.

At least three ambulances reportedly were dispatched to the scene, along with a Calstar medical helicopter.

One victim required extrication from the wreckage, fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said, adding that the northbound highway lanes were shut down in the area.

Calstar airlifted one patient with major injuries to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Safechuck said.

Four patients were being transported by ground ambulance to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, and a fifth was taken to Lompoc Valley Medical Center.

In addition to those critically injured, one patient had moderate injuries and two sustained minor injuries, Safechuck said.

The names of the victims and details on their conditions were not available.

One vehicle reportedly caught on fire after the collision.

The crash was under investigation by the CHP.

Check back with Noozhawk for updates to this story.