TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A driver was likely drunk and speeding when he slammed into a car on Interstate 4 Wednesday morning, killing two people.

The incident occurred at about 2 a.m. on Interstate 4 near 50th Street. A stretch of the interstate was closed for several hours, but reopened around 7:45 a.m.

According to the report, investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The Highway Patrol said a 34-year-old Winter Haven man was driving an Audi at a high rate of speed before the crash. He was reportedly heading eastbound and tried to pass a Toyota Camry, but ended up hitting the car.

The impact sent his vehicle spinning toward the inside shoulder of the roadway. It hit a guardrail, then went back across the highway. The driver and his passengers, two women from Tampa, ages 35 and 21, were all seriously hurt and rushed to area hospitals.

The other car caught fire before it came to a rest on the outside shoulder of the road. Both the driver and the passenger died at the scene. Their identities are still unknown.

The report did not mention whether charges were pending against the driver, who remains at the hospital.

Further information was not immediately available.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.