3 people dead following single-vehicle crash in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Three people have died following a single-vehicle collision in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., Niagara police said.

The crash happened at around 3 a.m. on Monday in the area of Queenston Road and Concession 6, according to Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS).

The rural area is surrounded by vineyards, just on the outside of St. Catharines, around four kilometres from the Queen Elizabeth Way.

An initial investigation determined that the vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree and then caught fire.

"Despite efforts of officers and emergency crews, the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames and three people were pronounced deceased at the scene," police said in a news release.

Police said they are working to identify those killed in the crash and notify their next of kin.

"Due to the severity of the injuries and damages sustained, identification of the individuals involved has not been confirmed at this time," a police spokesperson told CBC Hamilton in an email on Tuesday.

The circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation by detectives from the NRPS Collision Reconstruction Unit, with support from the NRPS Forensic Services Unit.

Police said some factors that may have been related to the incident "might never be determined... If any evidence is left for determination, it may take a very long time to process."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.