Early investigations suggest a B-double and a Mitsubishi Triton utility were both travelling north and crashed.

Five occupants, two females and three males, were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Port Macquarie hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The 37-year-old male driver of the B-double was also taken to hospital where he is undergoing mandatory blood and urine tests.

The B-double caught fire in the incident and prompted the call out of Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Taree, Laurieton and Port Macquarie as well as the Rural Fire Service and Taree Rescue Squad.

The B-double was loaded with grocery items, such as tissues, which contributed to the severity of the flames.

The crews worked for several hours to get the fire under control and utilised a Hazmat and pumper from the Taree station to assist in putting out the fire. 

Surrounding bushland also caught fire as a result of the incident.

Taree fire station commander Peter Willard said it was a “difficult job” with crews attending to the blaze until after 4am.

He added that all police officers, paramedics, Roads and Maritime personnel and fire fighters produced a “good co-operative effort” in response to the incident.

A rehabilitation unit was sent from Coffs Harbour to give fire crews a place to rest.

Supplies were exhausted due to the lack of water supply in the area. The Rural Fire Service was tasked with collecting addition water.

The highway was closed northbound at Forest Road. All lanes have since reopened. 

Investigations are continuing and police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.