Just before 7.30am on Saturday, August 11, emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway at Coolongolook, following reports that a Honda Jazz and Ford Escape had collided.

The driver of the Honda, a 72-year-old man, was trapped in the vehicle for a short period of time before being freed by Fire and Rescue NSW.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being airlifted by Westpac Rescue Helicopter to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The driver of the Ford, a 25-year-old Queensland man, was taken to Manning Hospital with minor injuries.

Both drivers will undergo mandatory testing.

Officers from Manning-Great Lakes Police District established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. 

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.