Emergency services are currently at the scene of a head-on crash on State Highway 50 - on the Napier Hastings Motorway.

Shortly before 2.00am, a van and a car collided on a bridge approximately 1 kilometre South of the intersection of State Highway 50 and Meeanee Road.

It appears there were a number of occupants in the van, 2 of whom were thrown over the bridge as a result of the impact and died at the scene. A further 7 occupants of the vehicles have been transported to hospital - some are known to have serious injuries.

Police were initially concerned that more occupants of the van may have fallen into the river beneath the bridge; however it now appears that all occupants are accounted for.

The road is expected to be closed for some time while the Police Serious Crash unit conducts a thorough scene examination.

Further information regarding the identities of the victims will be made available once Police have been able to conduct further enquiries.