A chain reaction accident Thursday on U.S. Highway 12 left a Balaton man in critical condition.

Lonny L. Johnson, 47, was airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital with facial injuries after the 2000 International semitrailer he was driving rear-ended a stopped 1998 International semitrailer around noon Thursday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The accident, which caused a chain-reaction with a 1995 Ford Windstar and 2005 Mazda Station Wagon, closed the highway for a few hours.

According to the State Patrol, construction flaggers were stopping traffic along U.S. Highway 12 around noon Thursday. The 1998 International - driven by William Ruhland, 49, of Eden Valley - had stopped in the westbound lanes when struck by Johnson, causing the 1998's trailer to disconnect. Ruhland was injured with minor cuts and bruises.

The driver of the 2005 Mazda - Adam A. Dennis, 28, of Emeryville, Calif. - was transported to Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar where he was treated and released. Mohamed A. Esse, 31, of Minneapolis, who was driving the Windstar, was not injured.

The Kandiyohi Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.