Two people are dead in a crash that involved about 200 vehicles on Highway 15 in La Prairie south of Montreal.

The confirmation comes from the Surete du Quebec, which says the victims are two people who were trapped in the wreckage near a diesel spill.

Whiteout conditions likely triggered the massive pileup that sent a dozen people to hospital with minor to serious injuries.

The crash occurred around 12:30 p-m on a stretch of the highway that runs along the St. Lawrence River.

Quebec Transport Minister Francois Bonnardel says the pileup took place in an area where heavy winds come off the river, creating sudden blizzard-like conditions.

He says he'll await the results of an investigation before deciding if any particular measures need to be taken.

Police spokesman Sergeant Stephane Tremblay says about 50 vehicles were able to drive away from the collision, but 75 others would need to be towed.

Numerous vehicles were mangled, including several large trucks.

About 150 people were taken by bus to a nearby community centre for treatment and to be picked up.