A tractor trailer struck an SUV before driving off the embankment near Highyway 14 and Agua Dulce Canyon Road, causing injuries to three men and backing up traffic for more than a mile, officials said.

The trucker was trying to turn off the highway at about 8:54 a.m. Tuesday when he failed to stop, struck an SUV and dropped 75 feet down the side of the off-ramp. The driver was trapped upside down in his cab for more than an hour, CHP Sgt. Ben Dibene said.

After more than 24 L.A. County Fire Department  rescuers extracted the trucker, he was airlifted to Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills with moderate injuries and complained of back pain, said department spokesman Paul Hartwell.

The two men in the SUV, which remained on the road, were transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital where one was treated for critical injuries.

Emergency crews blocked the highway to allow for airships and a Los Angeles City Fire Department crane to access the scene.

Traffic backed up for more than a mile and is now moving slowly after officials reopened the highway at about 10:15 a.m.

Check back later for further updates.