A five-car pileup killed two people and injured seven more on the Nassau Expressway in Lawrence early Wednesday morning, according to police.

At least one of the cars burst into flames upon impact, killing both people inside at the intersection with Rockaway Turnpike just after 1:30 a.m. It's charred shell remained on the side of the road Wednesday afternoon. 

Police say they will have to use dental records or DNA samples to identify those victims.

Other damaged cars remained scattered nearby. One lost an engine that sat completely separated from the vehicle. Another one landed in the reads off the road's shoulder.

Detective Lt. Richard LeBrun said it was too early in the investigation to determine exactly what caused the crash from a number of possible factors. However, police arrested two people on DWI charges.

"Our homicide detectives are here," LeBrun said. "They'll be looking at weather conditions, other conditions that may have caused the accident."

Police closed Nassau Expressway both ways between Burnside Avenue and Bay Boulevard for most of the day due to the accident investigation. The stretch of road has since reopened.

Authorities did not immediately release the identities of the people involved in the crash.