UPDATE:
The Newell Highway has been reopened in both directions, following a serious car accident earlier on Monday morning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter airlifted an 18-year-old man to Tamworth hospital with serious injuries to his leg.
It is understood the young man was trapped in the car wreck for some time before being freed, but is now in a stable condition.
READ ALSO:
Another four patients involved in the two car crash were treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics for minor injuries.
It is understood no one else has been taken to hospital.
The crash occurred on a remote stretch of the Newell Highway in The Pilliga, between Coonabarabran and Narrabri, just after 8am.
The road was closed in both directions for more than two hours, with an hour-long detour in place.
Live Traffic NSW updates confirm the crash site has now been cleared, the highway has been reopened and traffic conditions have returned to normal in the area.
EARLIER:
FIVE people are being treated for injuries after a serious car crash on Monday morning, which has closed a stretch of the Newell Highway.
Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene in The Pilliga, between Coonabarabran and Narrabri, just after 8am.
Four of the patients are believed to have minor injuries, and one 18-year-old man has suffered serious leg injuries.
Initial reports from Ambulance NSW suggest the man with serious injuries to his leg remains trapped in one of the cars, but is in a stable condition.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was tasked to the scene of the crash to help treat the patients, and remains on site.
Four ambulance crews, emergency services and Transport for NSW are still on the scene.
The Newell Highway has been closed in both directions near Garlands Road.
Northbound and southbound traffic is being diverted via the Kamilaroi Highway and the Oxley Highway.
Southbound traffic is being diverted via the Kamilaroi Highway to Gunnedah, then the Oxley Highway to rejoin the Newell Highway at Coonabarabran.
The northbound diversion is the same, but in reverse.
Transport for NSW said motorists travelling in the area should expect to add an hour onto their expected travel time.
Visit Live Traffic NSW for the latest updates.