A 29-year-old road construction worker was critically injured Tuesday night when he was hit by a car on Interstate 80. The driver fled the scene.

The accident happened on westbound 80 near 36th Street around 9 p.m.

Police believe the car involved in the wreck was abandoned when the driver left the interstate a short time later. He apparently exited at 42nd Street and the silver Cadillac was abandoned at 38th and Krug.

Five other vehicles were ultimately involved in the accident and westbound traffic was tied up as authorities investigated.

Officials aren't sure if the hit-and-run driver caused a pile-up that led to the injuries to the road worker or if he hit the road worker and then caused a chain-reaction.

The victim was not immediately identified.