Six injured in serious crash

SIX people have been injured in the serious accident on the Pacific Highway near Emerald Beach this afternoon, including a 10-month-old child.

The two-vehicle accident near the intersection of Smiths Rd just before 3pm, blocked both lanes of the highway for almost half an hour.

Police have advised the wreckage has now been cleared and one lane of traffic has been opened to alternating traffic.

Paramedics say the occupants of both vehicles have been rushed to hospital and some are in critical conditions.

It is understood the 10-month-old baby is in a critical condition while the mother, 26, has suffered serious head injuries.

A 30-year-old male and a three-year-old girl in that same vehicle have also been rushed to hospital.

An elderly couple, aged in their 70s, in the other vehicle have also suffered life threatening injuries.

Heavy traffic has queued both sides of the crash scene and police are assessing dirt roads near the scene for possible diversion points.

The NSW Transport Management Centre has advised there are significant delays expected.  

The accident is the third to have occurred in the road works zone at the Emerald Beach Pacific Highway turn-off this week.