3 dead following crash near Howley Junction in western Newfoundland

Police have confirmed that a 2-vehicle crash on the Trans-Canada Highway just west of Howley Junction in western Newfoundland has claimed the lives of three people. Two others have been brought to hospital withinjuries.

Deer Lake RCMP says the crash took place about 500 metres west of HowleyJunction, or Route 401, before 9:45 a.m.

Crews openedone lane to traffic around 11:30 a..m., butmotoristsare asked to drive with caution until the road is cleared.

Witness says crash involved 2 pickup trucks

A witness at the scene told CBC News that two pickup trucks collided on a four-lane, non-divided section of the highway.

He said the two vehicles collidedhead-on, and that one had landed in the ditch of the eastbound lane and the other in the ditch of the westbound lane. Another witness told CBC that three ambulances left the scene shortly before 10 a.m.