Two people were killed early Sunday after an SUV left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught fire in Jackson, according to local police.

The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Hyson Road, said Edward Travisano, a lieutenant with the department. Police initially received reports of a downed transformer but soon learned that a serious motor vehicle crash had occurred.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a black 2023 Toyota Highlander fully engulfed in flames. Travisano said officers attempted to rescue the two occupants inside the vehicle but were unable to reach them due to the fire.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene after the flames were extinguished. Their identities had not been confirmed as of Monday morning.

Hyson Road was closed for several hours between Cook Road and Colts Court while emergency crews and investigators worked at the site.

The crash remains under investigation by the department’s Traffic Safety Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Matthew Kalbach at 732-928-1111.