A couple from the Cortez area were killed early Monday morning after colliding with a semi-tractor trailer while traveling in a van on U.S. Highway 191 north of Monticello, Utah.

According to Utah State Patrolman Sanford Randall, the driver of the northbound van lost control on the slushy, snowy road around 6 a.m. and slid into oncoming traffic along a hilly stretch 27 miles north of Monticello. The van struck the semi-truck broadside, killing the two on impact, Randall said.

The identity of the victims had not been released as of press time, pending notification of family.

The driver of the southbound semi-truck, Albert Placencio of Albuquerque, attempted to avoid the crash but did not have room to stop, said Randall, who said that he did not expect to issue any citations. The semi was traveling at an estimated speed of 40 mph in a 65 mph zone, considered a safe speed for conditions, he said.