Two people are dead after a fatal collision on the Linc near Garth Street.

Hamilton police are investigating the crash, and are asking drivers to stay off the highway altogether.

According to Hamilton paramedic commander Ian Wright, a man and a woman who were in the same vehicle died in a crash around 2 p.m. Thursday. Wright told CBC Hamilton that paramedics on scene estimate the two are in their 20s.

Another woman, also thought to be in her 20s, was taken to hospital was life threatening injuries.

Another man, thought to be in his 30s, was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Wright could not say how many cars were involved in the crash.

Both the east and westbound lanes of the Linc are closed between Garth and Upper James Street. Collision reconstruction units are at the scene.

Police Const. Debbie McGreal-Dinning could not yet say exactly how the crash happened. "That's all I know right now," she said. She said she would have more information "by morning."

"Please avoid the entire Linc. It's going to be car to car," she said.

McGreal-Dinning didn't yet know how long the closure would take place, but said it would be "at least a couple of hours."

“Please consider letting others you know who may commute to/from work to choose alternate routes when returning to Hamilton if they normally use the Linc,” police tweeted.