BERLIN (AP) — Police say a head-on collision between a car and a truck in Switzerland's Gotthard Tunnel has left two people dead and forced the temporary closure of the tunnel, a key transit route through the Alps.

Police in the Uri canton (state) said the car, which was on the wrong side of the road, collided with the truck about 5 kilometers (3 miles) inside the tunnel on Wednesday morning. In addition to the two dead, four people were injured.

The tunnel was closed following the crash. Swiss authorities said it was expected to remain closed until at least mid-afternoon and recommended that drivers make a lengthy detour via the San Bernardino route, which runs further to the east.