Four people are dead and another is in a critical condition after a head-on collision between two utes, in a horror start to the Easter long weekend.
A woman driving one ute was killed alongside a male passenger, and a male driver and passenger in the second ute died after the crash about 6.45am on between a Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton on Friday.
Another man in a critical condition was airlifted by rescue helicopter to Canberra Hospital.
The crash happened near the ACT and NSW border, with emergency crews from both jurisdictions attending the scene.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said the incident was tragic.
Some of the victims are understood to be locals.
"Two cars with multiple deceased is no doubt seen as horrific," Ms Chapman told reporters in Newcastle.
"My thoughts are with the family, friends and local community. They will no doubt feel the impact of these deaths."
The acting assistant commissioner said she couldn't comment on what led to the crash, but cautioned all drivers to be aware of the conditions with rain forecast across the east coast.
"Police will investigate those matters," she said.
"We urge drivers to follow the rules, the message is pretty simple. Drive to the speed limit, drive to the conditions, don't drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
"That is the message we need motorists to heed to make sure we have an incident free weekend."
Fire and Rescue NSW said teams worked to cut people from the cars at 8.30am.
The fatal crash closed the Barton Highway in both directions just south of Murrumbateman.
NSW Police have established a crime scene as investigations continued.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and trucks have been told the diversion in place isn't suitable for B-doubles.