2 dead after multi-vehicle crash on Perimeter Highway

4 dead on Manitoba highways in 24 hours Police are warning drivers to be patient on roadways after a slew of fatal collisions on provincial highways.

Two people have died following a serious multi-vehicle collision on the Perimeter Highway Wednesday afternoon.

RCMP said it happened after an 18-wheel semi-truck traveling eastbound on the Perimeter failed to stop at a red light. The semi collided with a minivan traveling northbound on Pipeline Road and two other vehicles.

ABOVE:  Traffic was backed up for much of the afternoon Wednesday with drivers experiencing lengthy delays. (Source: Lizzy Tanasychuk/CTV News)

The impact caused both vehicles to spin into oncoming westbound traffic on the Perimeter, police said. The semi collided with a third vehicle, and either the semi or the van collided with a fourth vehicle.

Police said the driver and a passenger of the minivan, both from Oak Point, were taken to hospital where they died of their injuries. A child, who was a passenger in the third vehicle, had minor injuries.

Alcohol is not considered to be a factor. An investigation is ongoing.

ABOVE:  Police arrived on scene just before 2 p.m. Wednesday and directed traffic while the scene was investigated.

This comes after a woman died Tuesday after a crash on Highway 7 near Stonewall, and a 66-year-old woman was killed in a rollover on Highway 67 west of Stonewall.

“Four deaths on Manitoba highways in less than 24 hours is a tragedy,” said Sgt. Doug Lukaway, Unit Commander for Headingley Traffic Services. “With the long weekend upon us, drive safe and if you’re at any sort of intersection, even if it’s lighted, look both ways.

“People get impatient and could jump the light. Pay attention to the big picture and the movement of traffic around you.”