A fatal multi-vehicle crash in Santa Monica prompted the closure of the eastbound 10 Freeway Saturday evening, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:46 p.m. at the Lincoln Boulevard overpass.

Upon arrival at the scene, fire officials found nine vehicles with one of them overturned.

Fire officials said they found four patients and have confirmed at least one person dead at the scene.  

The second person suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, and the third person was in critical condition. The fourth patient suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene, according to Patrick Nulty, fire captain and public information officer for the Santa Monica Fire Department. 

A Sig Alert is in effect until further notice as police conduct an investigation. Authorities advise motorists to avoid the area.

All lanes of the freeway were reopened by Saturday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A total of 27 firefighters and paramedics, along with Santa Monica Police, California Highway Patrol and McCormick Ambulance, worked to help the victims.

The cause of the incident is under investigation by the CHP.

No further details were available. 

Correction: A previous version of this story reported there were six people affected in the crash based on information from fire officials. This story has been updated.