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

The white Ford Falcon hit the tree as it travelled on Lemon Tree Passage Road at Salt Ash, in the NSW Hunter Region, just before 11pm on Friday. 

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

One teenager had critical injuries and died while he was 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. 

The area has been cordoned off by police and the forensic crash unit is investigating. 

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

More to come 

A teenager has been killed and his two friends rushed to hospital after a car crashed into a tree (stock image)