Nelson Bay Road is closed in both directions after a two car collision this afternoon.
At about 4pm a four-wheel-drive ute and a station wagon collided head on.
The male driver and passenger in the station wagon were trapped in the vehicle before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
The 25-year-old male driver of the four-wheel-drive was treated at the scene and also taken to John Hunter Hospital by ambulance.
Diversions are in place while police carry out an investigation.
Motorists are being encouraged to avoid the area which is normally congested at this time of the year with holiday traffic.
text will be replaced
