Three teenagers were seriously injured in a crash that closed I-575 in Cobb County for more than two hours during the Monday afternoon rush hour.

Just after 5 p.m., a car driven by a unidentified 16-year-old girl from Canton -- traveling north on I-575 near the Chastain Road exit ramp -- crossed the median into southbound lanes, colliding with a car driven by Janet Grimmette, 43, of Marietta.

Three other girls were in the car that lost control; a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old who were sitting in the back seat sustained serious injuries, as did the driver. Another 15-year-old in the passenger seat was hurt but not severely, said Cobb police spokeswoman Cassie Reece.

The driver and the 15-year-old in the backseat were taken by helicopter to regional hospitals.

The evening rush hour was delayed for the closure of all lanes in both directions while the teens were rescued.

Reece said charges are expected against the 16-year-old driver.