The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has confirmed one person is dead following an early-morning crash in the centre of St. John’s on Sunday.

Emergency personnel responded to the intersection of Empire Avenue and Graves Street shortly after 6:00 a.m. following the incident. The driver of a vehicle travelling westbound on Empire Avenue was said to have lost control just before the intersection. The vehicle left the road and crashed into a home approximately 40 metres away, before bursting into flames.

Mike Hall, Platoon Chief with the St. John’s Regional Fire Department, said when crews arrived the vehicle was on fire. There were initial concerns of the home catching on fire. However, crews were able to contain the blaze to the vehicle. Firefighters had to use extrication equipment to access the occupants of the car.

One occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at hospital a short time after arriving. Two additional people in the vehicle were also taken to hospital, both with serious injuries.

The force of the crash caused significant damage to the home. A resident of the home, who was near the area of impact, was thrown from a couch when the incident occurred. They were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be serious.

The RNC closed Empire Avenue between Freshwater Road and Monchy Street to facilitate an investigation into the cause of the crash.

The investigation is continuing. NTV News will have more information as it becomes available.