BERLIN - State police said one person was killed and four others seriously hurt in a five-vehicle crash on Route 9 this morning that left a Tilcon cement truck on its side in an accident scene that spanned about 200 feet.

The roadway has been closed since 10:14 a.m., when firefighters responded to the crash, and traffic has been backed up for miles.

At least two vehicles were hit head on and were left facing north in the shoulder of the south lane just after Exit 23 in Berlin. The driver of a car hit by a Progressive insurance sport utility vehicle had to be extricated. The cement truck driver was also hurt, firefighters said. State police have not released any details about how the cause occurred.

Two Life Star helicopters were called to the scene, but one was dismissed after rescue workers assessed the injuries of those involved in the crash, Berlin Fire Chief Jim Simons said. A woman was taken to a hospital by the remaining helicopter, and four others were taken by ambulance. One person declined treatment.

Simons couldn't confirm there had been a death, but state police said they would be investigating for several more hours and would be notifying family members about a fatality.

Lisa Backus can be reached at lbackus@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext. 223.