Three people have died following a fiery collision involving four vehicles on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Emergency crews were called to the scene along Route 2 in Whites Cove, east of Fredericton, shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday.

“The collision took place in a section of the highway where motorists use the eastbound lane to circulate in both directions due to construction,” RCMP said in a news release.

Sgt. André Lauzon said four vehicles were involved in the crash, including a transport truck, a delivery truck, a minivan and a pickup truck.

“There was one collision which had some kind of ripple effect and caused two more collisions,” said Lauzon.

“As a result of the collision, a fire broke out, so local fire departments attended and handled the fire.”

A 55-year-old woman from Oshawa, Ont., a 54-year-old man from Greater-Lakeburn, N.B., and a 32-year-old man from Timber River, N.B., died at the scene.

Two other people were taken to the hospital with what were believed to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Lauzon said the section of highway where the collision occurred remains closed in both directions until further notice.

“Police released the scene at about 4 o’clock this morning, but because of the collision, the road sustained damages and the Department of Transportation judged necessary to repair those damages before reopening the highway,” he said.

New Brunswick 511 said the closure between Jemseg and Mill Cove is expected to remain in place until around 7 p.m. Wednesday. Traffic is being diverted onto Route 105.

RCMP are still trying to piece together exactly how the collision occurred at this point.

Due to yesterday’s collision, Highway 2 in #WhitesCove will remain closed today, Wednesday July 26. Traffic is being diverted through Route 105. For updates, please call 511 or visit https://t.co/XSpXyNtebj. pic.twitter.com/qlsPueEdzb

— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) July 26, 2023