One teenager was killed and three others were critically injured when a car hit a tree in a horrific crash on the Princes Hwy near Eden early this morning.
Police said a northbound Hyundai Excel carrying four teenagers hit a tree near Little Bellbird Hill around 3.40am.
A female, aged in her late teens, died at the scene and a teenage boy was flown to Canberra Hospital.
Two other patients were taken by ambulance to Pambula Hospital, before being flown to Canberra Hospital by the Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter.
Confusion surrounded the ages of the vehicle's occupants, who were all teenagers.
But it is believed a 15-year-old girl lost both legs in the crash and sustained neck and chest injuries.
A 13-year-old male who was trapped in the vehicle sustained a severe head injury.
Another boy, 15, sustained injuries to both legs.
All three remain in Canberra Hospital in a critical condition.
Police said the crash was being investigated and they were yet to establish which of the occupants was driving.
Traffic diversions remain in place on the highway.
READ THE FULL STORY IN TOMORROW'S ILLAWARRA MERCURY.