Salt Ash crash: Five teenagers caught in horrific crash after car hits tree

A teenager was killed and two of his friends were rushed to hospital after a car crashed into a tree.

The white Ford Falcon hit the tree while driving on Lemon Tree Passage Road in Salt Ash, in the Hunter region of NSW, just before 11pm on Friday.

Five teenagers, aged 14 to 17, were found by paramedics inside the vehicle.

A teenager was seriously injured and died while being rushed to hospital.

Two other teenagers suffered minor injuries and were taken to John Hunter Hospital.

The three remaining teenagers were not seriously injured.

Authorities confirmed the 17-year-old driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police have cordoned off the area and the forensic unit is investigating.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area on Saturday and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.