The pile-up occurred about 5.45pm. Six ambulance units, police and Port Stephens State Emergency Service attended the scene. It took crews more than 30 minutes to clear the area.

Three people were taken to John Hunter Hospital by ambulance. The first was a man in his 20s who was treated for chest and shoulder injuries. A second man in his 60s experienced chest, neck and shoulder pain and was taken for treatment. The third man was in his 50s and reported spinal pain. 

A woman in her 20s was treated at the scene for minor injuries.