Two teenagers died in Monday morning’s single-vehicle collision on Hamilton Boulevard, and charges have been laid against the driver.

The teenagers who died were Stallion Smarch, 19, and Faith Jakesta, 18.

Anthony Andre, 20, of Haines Junction, has been charged with two counts of the impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death, and one count of the impaired operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm.

Andre also faces associated charges relating to operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level equal to or exceeding 80 mgs.

At around 6:30 a.m. Monday, Whitehorse RCMP, the Whitehorse Fire Department and Yukon Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene of the collision. It occurred about a kilometre south of Bigway Foods near Falcon Drive.

Smarch and Jakesta were found dead at the scene, and one male passenger was assessed.

The other male passenger was taken to Whitehorse General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Andre was arrested and taken to the hospital to be medically assessed.

He was later released into police custody, where he remained pending court appearances Tuesday afternoon and later this month.

At around 6:45 a.m., Hamilton Boulevard was closed to traffic in both directions between Falcon Drive and the Lobird traffic circle.

The road remained closed until approximately 2 p.m., while collision analysts completed their work at the scene.

Police are working with the Yukon Coroner’s Service on the investigation.

“Our community is grieving right now,” Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) Chief Doris Bill said Tuesday.

“The accident on Hamilton Boulevard claimed the lives of two of our young people and has injured others.

“On top of that, we are also grieving another young man who passed away on the weekend,” Bill added.

“Unfortunately, these families have very recently put other family members to rest. This is an extraordinary situation.

“Therefore, I am appealing to the larger community for financial assistance. These families have drained their financial resources and have to arrange other funeral services now.”

Any donations can be made at the front desk of the KDFN administration building. Staff will ensure the money is split between the two affected families.

“I just want to say to my community that this is a time for us to come together and support one another and hold one another up,” Bill said.

“Traditional and clinical counsellors are available at the Nàkwät’à Ku Potlatch House and the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre if anyone needs help. Please be safe and take care of one another.”