A crash on Highway 97 southeast of Kamloops has claimed the lives of four people.

RCMP confirm two vehicles collided head-on just north of the Monte Lake RV park just before 9am.

Mounties say the four killed — including the drivers of both vehicles — were found dead at the scene.

This is a terrible tragedy and our most heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.  Our thoughts are also with the first responders and members of the public impacted by this event. No additional details will be released at this time as we are still confirming the identities of the deceased and in the process of notifying the next of kin.

A fifth person was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

The identities of the victims are still being determined, with the RCMP no further information about how the crash occurred will be released at this time, as the investigation is still ongoing.

The crash shut down Highway 97 completely for around 4 hours before crews were able to clear the scene.