Two motorcyclists were killed Sunday afternoon in a collision with a pickup truck on Interstate 95 in Augusta, according to police.The bikes involved in the crash were part of several thousand motorcycles taking part in the annual United Bikers Toy Run, which had just started from the Augusta Civic Center.

Four other persons were hospitalized.

The crash took place between exits 112 and 113 in the northbound lanes near Augusta.

Police said four motorcycles were involved in the collision with the pickup, which ended up on its side in a ditch off the highway. One motorcyclist died at the scene and the other died shortly after arrival at the hospital.

Troopers said the two other motorcyclists injured and the two occupants of the pickup were being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The crash took place just after noon time and the northbound lanes were shut down for over two hours.

Augusta Police, the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority assisted with rerouting traffic off the Interstate, as a team of Troopers investigated the crash. Augusta Fire Department ambulances were used to transport the injured to the hospital, which is a mile from the crash site. Augusta Police estimated less than a fourth of the 3,000 motorcycles involved in the toy run were ahead of the crash. The remaining motorcycles were detoured on outer Civic Center Drive, to make their way to the Windsor Fairgrounds.

Names of those involved in the crash are expected to be released this evening after relatives have been notified. The cause of the crash remains under investigation and Troopers are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call State Police in Augusta – 624-7076.

More From WBZN Old Town Maine