Ontario Provincial Police say at least three people have died in a 14-vehicle pileup that sent a wave of flames down a highway north of Toronto and saw motorists run for their lives.

Officers are continuing to comb through the wreckage in search of possible victims, a task they say is proving difficult given the extent of the damage.

Police say the Tuesday night crash, which involved at least two fuel tankers, spilled thousands of litres of fuel on Highway 400 south of Barrie, Ont., and triggered a massive fireball.

The names of the deceased have not yet been released and police have said the highway will remain closed until all have been identified and their next of kin has been notified.

Police have also said the highway may need to be repaired before traffic can resume.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt described the scene as “apocalyptical.”

CLICK HERE for 680 News’ continuing coverage of the crash and we’ll have more on this story as it develops too.

Filed under: Highway 400 crash