A section of a busy highway in northern Alberta was shut down Wednesday morning, after a massive collision was reported.
RCMP said officers and emergency crews were called to the multi-vehicle collision on Highway 63, south of Fort McMurray near Mile Marker 173, just before 9 a.m.
Police said at least five vehicles, including two large trucks, were involved in the collision.
Later, RCMP said two transport trucks that were travelling in opposite directions collided head-on, and both drivers died on the scene. One of the trucks was carrying diesel fuel.
No other injuries were reported.
Investigators also said five other vehicles took measures to avoid the collision, and ended up in the ditch.
Emergency crews were on the scene for several hours in the wake of the crash – and police had to close the affected section of highway.
Motorists were being redirected to Highway 881 until further notice - late Wednesday, RCMP told CTV News the closure was expected to continue late into the night.
The incident is under investigation – RCMP said the roads were reportedly icy at the time of the crash.
UPDATE (20/02/14): RCMP reopened Highway 63 early Thursday morning - after a closure that lasted 21 hours.
With files from Veronica Jubinville
