One person was trapped within their vehicle but has now been removed.
Paramedics treated a 63-year-old woman passenger for spinal, abdominal, pelvic and leg injuries, she was transported to John Hunter in a serious but stable condition.
The 66-year-old man sustained abdominal injuries and a fractured ankle and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Crash investigation units and Emergency services remain on scene, and the highway is closed in a North Bound Direction, with South Bound Traffic also affected.
Motorists travelling North from Newcastle are being urged to use Cormorant Road and Nelson Bay road through Kooragang instead.
Motorists travelling west from Newcastle should use the Hunter Express Motorway instead.
Raymond Terrace Police say the crash may have occurred due to wet weather.
Southbound motorists on the Hexham bridge trying to access the M1 should use Maitland Road through Sandgate, Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Jesmond and Newcastle link road.
Motorists are also advised to
follow the directions of emergency services and exercise caution due to the
rain and reduced visibility in the area.
Police and Fire and Rescue crews are on scene working to clear the road and have set up contraflow.
Police and Fire and Rescue crews are on scene working to clear the road and have set up contraflow.
