Speed is considered a likely factor in a fatal single-car accident early Tuesday that claimed two people on Highway 1.

Vancouver police said a passing motorist spotted the sedan near an embankment just north of the Cassiar Tunnel around 1:39 a.m. and called 911. Investigators arrived to find the driver ejected from the car, and a woman in the passenger's seat. Both died on scene.

"Neither of the deceased has been positively identified and police will be working with the coroner to determine their identity," said Const. Lindsey Houghton.

Investigators have determined the car was on the northbound onramp at the location when it crashed through a concrete barrier and fell down the embankment, stopping next to the highway.

"It would take some significant speed in order to breach those barriers," Houghton said.

"It is unknown if alcohol was involved."

Seven have died in traffic-related crashes in Vancouver this year.