A compact car collided with a fully loaded logging truck early Wednesday on the Yellowhead Highway about 80 miles east of here, killing five people.

The Ford Escort was smashed into pieces by the impact, police said.

“The preliminary indication is that the car lost control and went in front of the truck,” said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Const. Gordon Molendyk. “It was snowing at the time.”

The accident happened at about 3:30 a.m. near the village of Dome Creek. Debris, including the logging truck’s load, was spread across the highway for more than 500 feet.

All the victims were from the crushed car, which remained trapped under the truck. The truck driver escaped with minor injuries.

The highway was closed for about six hours.

Police identified three of the victims but withheld the names until relatives were notified.