LANSING, Mich. — Two people were killed Tuesday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash that erupted into flames on Interstate 96 near mile marker 71, according to the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded around 3:14 p.m. to the westbound lanes, where they believe a semi-truck was fully stopped in traffic within a merge zone. A pickup truck behind the semi slowed down or stopped as well, but a box truck approaching from behind was unable to stop in time and slammed into the pickup. The impact forced the pickup into the back of the semi’s trailer.

The sheriff’s office said both the pickup truck and box truck caught fire and were quickly engulfed in flames, trapping both drivers inside. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to WLNS, the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office believes heavy traffic and unsafe following distances were factors in the collision.

The incident closed westbound I-96 for hours while crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate. Officials initially estimated the highway would reopen around 10 p.m., but cleanup could extend longer.

The victims’ names have not yet been released.