Fort McMurray Forum

RCMP confirming a seventh death in connection to this afternoon's collision on Highway 63.

Constable Christina Wilkins with the Wood Buffalo RCMP telling Fort McMurray News that a teenaged female passenger injured in the crash, succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

"I'd been advised that six people were deceased at one point, whether they were dead on scene when crews arrived I don't know, all I know now is that, we've now had one of the injured succumb to her injuries, bringing the total to seven," said Wilkins.

The crash at mile marker 88 of the major roadway involved two pick-up trucks, resulting in six fatalities on scene .

Wilkins adds that two others were also taken to hospital and the extent of their injuries remains unknown.

"I don't know at this time, I do know that their injuries are considered  quite serious, and as such they were transported via air ambulance."

The two survivors are being described as a 34- year old male and a young boy.

Preliminary reports indicate that the northbound pick-up truck carrying three occupants, pulled out to pass the southbound pick-up, carrying six individuals.

As a result of the crash, a significant fire ensued, from which the injured teenaged female was pulled from a burning vehicle by passing motorists, before emergency crews had arrived.

Highway 63 remains closed in both directions and RCMP estimate it will not be reopened until 10:00 PM.

Traffic continues to be re-routed to Highway 881.

Fort McMurray News will continue to provide more details as they are made available.