Speed is being blamed for a multi-vehicle crash that killed one person and left three others injured in Richmond Wednesday afternoon.

Mounties confirm five vehicles collided at Knight Street and Westminster Highway at around 3:30 p.m., leaving all but two vehicles destroyed.

One victim was found dead at the scene while two others were rushed to hospital by air ambulance in critical condition.

A third person was taken away in an ambulance with serious injuries.

The name of the deceased is being withheld.

Few details have been confirmed, but police say speed appears to be a contributing factor.

Authorities said Knight Street southbound and both directions of the highway would be shut down for an unspecified period of time.