A motorist is dead and two more people are in hospital with injuries following a crash that shutdown the QE II for a number of hours.

Shortly after 4:00 p.m., a Nissan was driving southbound near Highway 597 north of Red Deer when it attempted to pass a cement truck.

It went into northbound traffic colliding with a silver Honda Fit and the driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene.

STARS Air Ambulance sent one helicopter from Edmonton and another from Calgary to the scene.

A 58-year-old man was flown to hospital in stable condition, with critical injuries.

A 30-year-old was also flown out, but his condition is unknown.

RCMP continue their investigation and alcohol is believed to have been a factor.