DEER LAKE, N.L. -- Six people were sent to hospital after a pileup involving 15 vehicles, including three tractor trailers, on the Trans-Canada Highway in western Newfoundland.

RCMP spokeswoman Glenda Power says the collision happened in whiteout conditions at about 10:20 a.m. local time Monday near Birchy Narrows.

The Mounties say two people were seriously injured.

Part of the highway was closed most of Monday as crews worked the clear the scene, but authorities say both lanes were open by about 10:30 p.m.

Photos of the pileup showed heavily damaged vehicles off the road, some pinned underneath other vehicles.

Environment Canada had issued a weather warning for the Deer Lake-Humber Valley area Monday, indicating there could be snow squalls and blowing snow.