2 men killed in Highway 63 crash north of Fort McMurray

Two men were killed when the minivan they were in collided with the back of a transport bus north of Fort McMurray Sunday evening.

Mounties said the crash on Highway 63 happened shortly after 5 p.m. at the top of what is known as Supertest Hill — a long, steep hill about 20 kilometres north of town.

RCMP were initially called to reports of a truck rear-ending a Diversified bus, however, officers arrived to find it was actually a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country minivan that hit the bus.

The minivan was driving south on Highway 63 from the Noralta Lodge exit, when it collided with a passenger bus at the top of the hill.

READ MORE: Texas company to buy Alberta-based Noralta Lodge

Both the 36-year-old man driving the minivan and his passenger were killed. Police said the male passenger, who has yet to be identified, is also believed to be in his 30s.

Mounties were asking for the public’s help to figure out who the passenger was. In an update Monday morning, RCMP said they now believe they know who the man is and are waiting for confirmation from the autopsy.

READ MORE: Highway 63 southbound lanes reopen in northern Alberta after semi-truck rolls, spills natural gas condensate

The driver and 11 passengers of the Diversified bus have not reported any injuries to police.

Weather and alcohol appear to be factors in the crash, RCMP said. Traffic was down to one lane for several hours while police investigated the crash.