A three-vehicle accident shut down both lanes of traffic on Highway 36 between 138th Street and 156th streets Wednesday morning, sending three drivers to the hospital.

Investigators say a westbound van driven by 34-year-old Juan Ortiz of Council Bluffs was stopped and about to turn left onto 149th Street at 7:50 a.m.

A car, driven by 18-year-old Shawn Nelson of Omaha, hit the van from behind. The impact sent the van into the path of an SUV driven by 18-year-old Mary Goetz of Bennington.

"Another vehicle struck that vehicle in the rear, another vehicle eastbound was struck nearly head-on by the first vehicle that was getting ready to turn left causing a near head-on accident," says the Nebraska State Patrol’s Eric Grossoehme.

Ortiz was transported to the hospital via medical helicopter and was listed in critical condition.

Goetz was taken by ambulance to Creighton University Medical Center and listed in fair condition. Nelson was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital.

The highway reopened around 11 a.m.

According to experts, if you notice a vehicle coming up fast behind you, it's a good idea to pump your brake lights to try and get the driver’s attention. What you don't want to do is have your wheels turned because a collision could send you into oncoming traffic.