A child was airlifted to Children’s Hospital following a three-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon in Clanton.

The accident happened around 3:10 p.m. on Alabama 22 near the LeCroy Career/Tech Center.

Clanton Fire Chief David Driver described the child’s injuries as critical, even life threatening. Driver said the child was less than 10 years old.

Three adults were transported via ambulance to Chilton Medical Center and Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster. Their conditions were described as serious Thursday afternoon.

Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell said the accident is still under investigation.

Preliminary reports suggest the eastbound car carrying the child was struck from behind while turning into a driveway off Highway 22.

The impact caused the vehicle to flip on its side, and the third vehicle, which was traveling west, hit the overturned car again.

Stilwell said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident at this time.

Three people in the overturned car were trapped for several minutes. The injured child and an adult were transported for medical treatment. The third person trapped in the car was not hurt and declined medical help.

Both drivers in the other two cars were taken by ambulance to local hospitals.

Alabama 22 was completely shut down for about two hours while the accident was being worked.

In addition to Clanton Police and Fire, Chilton County Sheriff’s deputies, Alabama State Troopers, Angel and RPS Ambulances, and Air Evac all responded to the call.