A major emergency response was initiated when a Toyota Hiace mini bus, carrying nine people believed to be from Griffith, and a Mercedes Benz commercial van collided head-on on Mamre Road shortly after 1.30pm.

A police spokesperson said investigators believe the Hiace was being driven south and the commercial van driven north.

It is understood the vehicles collided head-on in the northbound lanes.

A two-year-old girl was critically injured. She died a short time later in The Children’s Hospital, Westmead.

The front-seat passenger in the mini bus, a 59-year-old man, was also critically injured while a 23-year-old woman sitting in the middle row suffered two broken legs.

Both people are being treated in Liverpool Hospital.

A teenage boy and girl, both aged 16, are also being treated in Liverpool Hospital.

A 10-year-old girl and two boys - aged nine months and three years  were taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The younger boy is being treated for a broken leg.

Injuries to the other children are unknown at this stage.

The woman driving the mini bus, a 20-year-old disqualified learner driver, was taken to Westmead Hospital where she has been treated for abrasions.

Police hope to speak with her as soon as she is deemed fit enough.

All those travelling in the Hiace are believed to be from the same family.

The driver of the commercial van, a 50-year-old man from Merrylands, escaped serious injury and has undergone mandatory testing.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.