OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Crews arrive at the scene on Thursday afternoon in Dunkirk on Central Avenue.

Two people have died after a four-vehicle crash that occurred near Central and Howard avenues in Dunkirk on Thursday afternoon.

Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano said in a news release late Thursday the investigation is continuing into the incident that occurred around 5:50 p.m. He also is asking those who were a witness to the crash to call police at 716-366-2266.

Ortolano also said three people were injured. One victim injured was flown to UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pa., and two others received treatment at Brooks-TLC Hospital System in Dunkirk.

Some who witnessed the crash said one vehicle was driving at a speed more than double the 30 mph limit in the city — possibly more than 70 mph — before the crash on Central Avenue while weaving through traffic before striking at least three other vehicles. One of those vehicles apparently caught fire.

Onlookers gathered in disbelief at the scene under the bridge used for train traffic. Dunkirk police and fire departments were first on the scene. Fredonia Fire Department and Chautauqua County Emergency Medical Services and Alstar ambulance also assisted.

Ortolano said other agencies who assisted at the scene included: the Dunkirk police crime scene team, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department Accident Reconstruction Unit, the Chautauqua County coroner’s officer, District Attorney Jason Schmidt and the Dunkirk Department of Public Works.