2 dead after fiery overnight collision east of Ottawa's core

Two people are dead and another was badly injured after a fatal collision involving two cars that caught fire east of Ottawa's core early Wednesday morning. 

Ottawa police said it happened at the intersection of St. Laurent Boulevard and Montreal Road around midnight.

Insp. Scott Pettis said in an afternoon update a woman in her 30s was driving north on St. Laurent when she collided with the other vehicle going west on Montreal Road.

While the investigation is ongoing, Pettis said speed and alcohol are believed to be factors and "the early indication seems to [be] the vehicle travelling northbound did pass through a red light."

A 41-year-old man and 44-year-old man died in the collision. 

The other driver was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition, according to Ottawa paramedics. Pettis said in the afternoon she's in serious condition in hospital.

When firefighters arrived around 12:30 a.m., one vehicle was "fully engulfed in smoke and flames," Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) said in a statement. 

The other vehicle had a fire in the engine compartment, said Nick DeFazio, public information officer with OFS. 

After extinguishing both fires, firefighters began working to safely remove its driver.

The driver of the vehicle was pinned inside, and it took firefighters about 30 minutes to safely extricate her. 

"This was a very serious extrication," said DeFazio, adding the dash of the vehicle needed to be lifted to allow the driver to be removed. 

The Ottawa police collision unit is investigating, and is looking to speak with anyone who witnessed or may have footage of the incident. 

The intersection was closed until the early afternoon.