A teenage boy is dead and two others are in hospital after the car they were in hit a signpost Wednesday morning, say police in Gatineau, Que.

The three were travelling east along Maloney Boulevard, near Labrosse Boulevard, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit the post.

The 17-year-old passenger in the front seat was killed instantly, police said.

The 16-year-old driver and a 15-year-old passenger in the back seat were both removed with Jaws of Life equipment. Police said their injuries are serious, but not life-threatening.

Investigators said rain and speed are two possible explanations for the accident.

The accident is the second fatal crash in the area involving young people in a week. Three teens were killed when their pickup truck rolled over in Ottawa's rural eastern outskirts last Sunday.