Merritt Road between Highway 406 and Niagara Street was closed by police on Tuesday morning after a head-on collision. One man died while another was sent to hospital with serious injuries.

One man is dead and another seriously injured after a head-on collision on Merritt Road Tuesday.

The crash occurred after a 1996 Chevrolet pickup truck travelling east on Merritt crossed over the centre line at about 10:10 a.m., colliding with a minivan going west, according to a police media release.

Both men, including the deceased, who was not identified by police as of Niagara This Week's press deadline, were pinned in their vehicles as a result.

The truck caught on fire after the accident and despite efforts from officers and passersby one driver could not be freed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the 1997 Chevrolet Astro, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He was identified by police as a Welland man, age 56.

Both men were the only occupants of the vehicles. Officers with the collision reconstruction unit continue to investigate into the deceased's identity, said the media release.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked by police to call investigators at 905-688-4111 extension 5500.