The RCMP are investigating a three-vehicle collision early Saturday near Watson Lake which killed a 61-year-old Alberta man and left two others injured.

Police and Watson Lake ambulance and firefighters were called to the scene on the Alaska Highway near the junction of Highway 37 at 4:24 a.m.

"Initial investigation reveals that a mechanic was working on a tractor-trailer unit that was broke down in the eastbound lane, when another eastbound tractor-trailer unit struck the unit being worked on and the service truck that was parked beside it,” Watson Lake RCMP said in a statement.

The driver of the second tractor-trailer unit – a 61-year-old Alberta man – was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 21-year-old mechanic from Manitoba and the 70-year-old male passenger in the second tractor-trailer unit were taken to Watson Lake Hospital and later medevaced – one to Whitehorse and one to Vancouver.

Police did not have information on who was sent to Vancouver and who was sent to Whitehorse.

Whitehorse General Hospital spokeswoman Val Pike could not be reached for comment before press time this afternoon.

The highway was closed for about 12 hours while an RCMP traffic analyst investigated the scene.

"The incident is still currently under investigation with the assistance of the Yukon Coroner's Service,” RCMP stated.

"Alcohol, speed and road conditions are not considered factors in the accident.

"The name of the deceased is not being released at the request of the family.”