Five people died in a crash along the North Coast Highway in Salt Marsh Trelawny early this morning.

Head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, Dr. Gary Mckenzie says the deceased are four males and one female.

Their identities have not yet been released.

Police reports indicate that the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. and involved a white Toyota Hiace bus which was being operated as a public passenger vehicle.

Dr. Mckenzie says it appears the driver lost control of the vehicle and it later crashed into trees and a concrete light pole, resulting in multiple fatalities.

He added that investigators have cited excessive speeding, and driver inattention as possible causes.

Dr. Mckenzie is again urging motorists to exercise caution on the roads.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

194 people have died in crashes since the start of the year.