At least four people were injured in a early morning crash involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 40 East in Putnam County.  The incident was reported shortly before 1 a.m. Friday at mile marker 270 near Cookeville.

Officials on the scene said the chain reaction crash happened when a driver ran into the cable barriers on the interstate, causing five other cars to collide.  At least three people were taken to an area hospital. The extent of their injuries was unclear.  As crews were working to clear that scene, a second collision occurred as a result of the traffic backup.  A driver crashed into the back of a camper trailer near mile marker 273, causing both vehicles to catch fire. That person was taken to an area hospital with injuries to his head.

It’s not known if dense fog in the area played a factor in either wreck. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the roadway isn’t expected to be cleared until around 9 a.m.