Pacific Highway plunged into chaos after multiple crashes leave at least two dead

A major highway has been plunged into chaos after several crashes left at least two people dead.

An SUV and a four-wheel-drive collided on the M1 southbound at Bangalow, in NSW’s Northern Rivers region, about 2.35pm on Thursday.

One driver died at the scene and has not yet been formally identified, police said.

The other driver, a 44-year-old man, was taken to Lismore Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have established a crime scene and urged drivers to avoid the area.

Meanwhile, a separate crash on the Pacific Highway at Coolongolook, on the NSW Mid North Coast, has claimed another life.

An SUV and a sedan collided head-on at the intersection of the highway and Wooton Way about 2.40pm, sparking a fire that engulfed both vehicles.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and a body was found inside the sedan.

The victim has not yet been formally identified.

The driver of the SUV, a woman in her 50s, was treated at the scene before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

A crime scene has been established.

Southbound lanes of the Pacific Highway were closed following the crash.

Drivers were diverted onto Wooton Way before rejoining the motorway near Buladelah, with heavy vehicles forced to wait as the diversion route was unsuitable for them.

A third crash involving multiple vehicles occurred in the northbound lanes about 3.40pm, shutting one of the two lanes, Live Traffic NSW said.

The number of casualties in the third crash has not yet been confirmed.

Drivers are advised to avoid the areas or allow plenty of extra travel time.