A late-morning collision on the Malahat Highway has killed three people.

It happened around 11:30 in the Shawnigan Lake area -- between Victoria and Duncan.

BC Ambulance officials say it was a two-vehicle, head-on collision -- possibly between a car and a truck.

Five others were also sent to hospital.

Two of those patients are in critical condition, while the other three are stable.

They're all being treated at Victoria General Hospital.

The cause of the crash hasn't been determined -- however roads were slick, and weather conditions were poor.