Emergency crews are at a fatal crash in the northwest and police are diverting traffic around the scene.

The crash happened at about 4:00 p.m. on 16 Avenue N.W. near the Crowchild Trail underpass.

Three vehicles were involved in the collision and two people were trapped in one of the vehicles.

“It appears that the blue SUV lost control while eastbound, came over the centre median and struck the blue pickup truck. The red pickup truck was behind the blue truck and struck it from behind causing it to catapult over and slam into the light standard,” said CPS Sergeant Doug McIlwraith.

Police say the passenger in the blue truck died from their injuries and the driver is in life-threatening condition.

A third person who was in the blue SUV was taken to hospital in stable condition.

Traffic is being diverted and police have closed 16 Avenue in both directions from 19 Street to 29 Street N.W.

They say the scene will remain closed for several hours and motorists should avoid the area.

It is not yet known what caused the crash and police do not believe alcohol was a factor.