One person has died and another is in hospital following a serious crash at Maitland during the early hours of Friday morning.
Around 2:30am, emergency services responded to reports a Kia Rio and a Ford Falcon sedan had collided head-on while travelling on Cessnock Road.
The driver of the Kia, a woman believed to be aged in her 50s, died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.
The male driver of the Ford sustained a back injury in the crash and has been taken to hospital for treatment.
While in hospital the man, also believed to be in his 50s, will undergo mandatory testing.
Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles.
Port Stephens Hunter police are working with Newcastle's Crash Investigation Unit to investigate the circumstances of the crash and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
At 5:45am,Cessnock Road remained closed in both directions between the New England Highway and Gillieston Road as officers examine the scene.
