A horrific crash on Christmas Eve in Cape Breton has sent seven people to hospital including four children.

The crash was between a van and a car and happened just before 6 p.m. on Highway 104 in Richmond County.

Police say a 42-year-old woman, the driver of the van, had to be cut out from the vehicle by fire crews with apparent life-threatening injuries.

A 36-year-old man and four children ages 9, 7, 5, and 3 all suffered serious to life-threatening injuries.

All of those in the van are from Halifax.

The driver of the car, 28-year-old man from New Brunswick, also had to be cut out of the vehicle by fire crews with apparent life-threatening injuries.

A dog was found deceased in the car.

A collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

The highway was close for several hours but has reopened.