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. Loading Tweet

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

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