The New York State Police has released information on the cause of a tractor-trailer crash that created a major backup for drivers on the New York State Thruway on Thursday.

According to troopers, the crash happened around 4:30 a.m. on I-90 eastbound between Exits 43 and 42 in the town of Phelps. They say a man from Ohio driving a 2004 tractor-trailer was hauling shampoo bottles when he struck the guard rail. The tractor-trailer then came to rest sideways in the road.

Police say it was then struck by a 2024 tractor-trailer occupied by two men from Texas. The impact caused the first tractor-trailer to overturn and spill the shampoo bottles across the road.

Finally, police say a 2016 Volvo tractor-trailer operated by a Rochester man then struck the 2024 tractor-trailer.

State police say three of the four men were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation responded to the scene for spill disposal.

The crash prompted officials to close all lanes on I-90 eastbound between exit 43 (Manchester) and exit 42 (Geneva). Crews were brought in to clear the scene, but the severity of the crash led to an extended cleanup time.

Eastbound traffic was diverted off the Thruway at Exit 43, and drivers were urged to avoid the area.