ST. IGNACE — Two people are dead after a multiple vehicle accident on U.S. 2 near H-33 in Mackinac County Monday afternoon.

According to a press release from the Michigan State Police St. Ignace Post, an empty semi-truck tanker driven by 70-year-old Raymond Pross, of Pinconning, collided with a passenger car driven by Kenneth Swartzendruber, 76, of Traverse City, while Swartzendruber’s vehicle was traveling in a slow-moving line of traffic.

Pross’ vehicle forced Swartzendruber’s car into a pickup truck before both the semi and Swartzendruber’s vehicle lost control, crossed the center line and continued into the woods on the north side of U.S. 2 and came to rest.

Swartzendruber and his passenger, Audrey Swartzendruber, 77, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene, the press release states.

Dean Holstrom, the driver of the pickup truck, and his passenger, Beth Brochhausen, as well the semi driver were all uninjured.

U.S. 2 was closed with an official detour in place for seven hours to allow for a complete investigation, according to the release. It was re-opened just prior to midnight.

The accident remains under investigation, the release states.