Four people were killed and a fifth person was injured in a head-on collision between two utes on the Barton Highway this morning in a horror start to the Easter long weekend.

The crash happened south of Murrumbateman near the ACT and NSW border at about 6.45am and the road has been closed in both directions since.

A female driver and male passenger of a Mitsubishi Triton and a male driver and male passenger of a Ford Ranger died at the scene. They have not been formally identified and their ages are not yet known.

Another male passenger in the Ford has been treated on the scene and has been taken to hospital.

Fire and Rescue NSW said teams worked to cut people from the cars at 8.30am. Emergency crews from both the ACT and NSW were in attendance and rescue helicopters were also on the scene.

The road is expected to be closed for some time and the public is urged to avoid the area.

Those travelling south are advised to use Murrumbateman Road and Sutton Road to the Federal Highway in Canberra. Northbound travellers should use Sutton Road, followed by Murrumbateman Road to get to the Barton Highway. Truck drivers have been told the diversion in place isn’t suitable for b-doubles.

Check Live Traffic NSW for updates.