A small northern Ontario town is in mourning following a crash in the early morning hours on Saturday that killed four young people.

At around 3:20 a.m. police responded to a collision between an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) and a transport truck in Moonbeam.

All four people aboard the ATV were killed in the crash.

Police said a 16-year-old, two 18-year-olds and a 20-year-old were all pronounced dead at the scene. 

In a statement the municipality said flags at municipal buildings would be flying at half-mast out of respect for the victims, identified as Audric, Audrie, Carley and Loïc.

Moonbeam Mayor Luc Léonard told CBC News he would not be releasing their last names out of respect for their families.

Léonard said everyone in the community of around 1,200 people has been affected by the crash.

“Everybody’s related somehow,” he said. “And if it’s not by blood, it’s by friendship.”

Léonard said the community has been mourning their losses together.

“It’s inconceivable for the mothers. It’s a very hard time,” he said.

Guy Boucher manages the Moonbeam Golf Club. One of the young people killed in the crash, Carley, worked for him.

“Carley was beautiful inside and out,” he said.  “She was the kindest person, and I know these all sound cliché, but it’s true. She was so kind, so strong, so smart.”

Boucher said another victim was his cousin’s son. 

“Everybody knew all the kids,” he said. 

“All the kids either, all grew up with each other, [or] they all worked at local businesses here, which made them familiar to everyone.”

Léonard, Moonbeam’s mayor, said the municipality will follow the families’ lead regarding a vigil.

“Whatever they want, we will support them,” he said.