MADISON, Wis. -- Two people died and one was injured in a single-car crash early Wednesday morning on South Midvale Boulevard in Madison.

The Madison Police Department said a car crashed into a tree at 215 S. Midvale Boulevard, near the intersection of Midvale and Hillcrest Drive, at about 1:45 a.m. Three University of Wisconsin students -- all in their early 20s -- were in the car.

Madison police said a man and a woman in the car died as a result of the crash. The third occupant is hospitalized in critical condition. Police said seat belts were used by at least two of the car's occupants. Police said they are investigating if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The victims who died were identified as Lindsey T. Plank, 23, of Madison, and Richard H. Putze, 22, of Madison, according to the Dane County coroner. Putze was pronounced dead at the scene while Plank was pronounced dead at UW Hospital.

After closing the stretch of road for several hours, the Madison Police Department reopened South Midvale Boulevard and North Midvale Boulevard between Mineral Point and Hillcrest on Wednesday morning.

Police said they're still investigating the crash.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.