ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Two people are dead after a fatal crash temporarily closed a stretch of Interstate 694 in the north metro Friday.

Around 9:30 a.m., a 31-year-old man driving a Chevrolet Equinox westbound swerved from the right lane to the left shoulder causing the car to spin out. At the same time, a Malibu was entering I-694 going west. 

The Equinox crossed the ditch and hit the Malibu forcing it sideways and into the left lane of 694 where a third car then struck it. 

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The driver of the Malibu, a 76-year-old man from New Brighton, and the passenger, a 74-year-old woman from New Brighton were killed. 

The 31-year-old driver of the Equinox was taken to Regions hospital, and later taken to Ramsey county jail on vehicular homicide charges. The 68-year-old driver of the third car was also taken to Regions. 

Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate.