Three people — two of them children — have died after a multi-vehicle collision on Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam, B.C., on Friday evening.

Police say an additional five people were also taken to hospital to be treated for injuries.

Coquitlam RCMP say Lougheed Highway will remain closed between Chilco Drive and Pitt River Road well into Friday night while officers investigate. Police say they don't have enough information yet to say what caused the crash.

B.C. Emergency Health Services described the crash, which happened around 6:30 p.m., as "major."

"[It's been] a horrible, horrible tragic evening," said Staff Sgt. Dan Guilfoyle of Coquitlam RCMP.

"[It's a] tragedy for the families and our hearts go out to them."