Two people were killed after the minivan they were in and a semi-trailer collided, part of a four-vehicle crash on the Perimeter Highway just north of Winnipeg on Wednesday afternoon.

Laura Klippenstein, 71, and Norman Klippenstein, 72, of Oak Point, Man., died in the collision.

An 18-wheel semi was heading east on the Perimeter around 1:45 p.m. when it failed to stop for a red light, RCMP said.

The crash spun both vehicles into oncoming traffic, with the semi and a third vehicle colliding; either the semi or the minivan hit a fourth vehicle, police said.

The side of the maroon-coloured minivan was crushed in and its roof was curled upwards when emergency crews arrived. The STARS air ambulance took a number of people to hospital.

The collision happened around 2 p.m. at Pipeline Road and Garden View Drive. STARS air ambulance landed at the scene soon after. 0:44

The Klippensteins died of their injuries in hospital, police said.

Darlene Bricklin lives across the street from the Klippensteins' home. They retired in the community several years ago, she said.

"They were very good neighbours. If you had any trouble, they were right there to help you," said Bricklin.

"I still can't believe it. It's hard, you know. They were very nice people."

The crash is under investigation. Alcohol is not considered a factor, RCMP said.

Four road deaths in a day

"Four deaths on Manitoba highways in less than 24 hours is a tragedy," Sgt. Doug Lukaway, commander of the RCMP's Headingley Traffic Services unit, said in a news release Thursday.

Two women died in separate crashes near Stonewall, Man., on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Lukaway said drivers should make sure they look both ways at any intersection, including those with traffic lights.

"People get impatient and could jump the light. Pay attention to the big picture and the movement of traffic around you," he said.