The extended family were en route from Queensland to the Snowy Mountains when their van and an oncoming car towing a caravan collided on the New England Highway, near Bendemeer.

The crash occurred near Carlisle’s Gully about 11am, and police are trying to work out what caused the van to clip the oncoming car’s mirror before it slammed into the side of the caravan, and careered out of control across to the wrong of the road.

The impact of the collision flipped the minivan, which landed on its roof in a paddock next to the highway.

Passersby stopped and helped eight people inside the van to get out to safety.

The eight were assessed by paramedics at the scene for various injuries, and were all taken to Tamworth hospital.

Police said one person suffered abrasions to their head, two had suspected broken collar bones or shoulder injuries, and another was treated for possible glass in their eyes.

The couple in the vehicle towing the caravan escaped injury and managed to safely manoeuvre the car to a stop, on the side of the road.

The pair, who are from Victoria, were headed north to Queensland when the crash happened.

The caravan was destroyed and debris was strewn across the road, but the highway remained open to traffic.

Police spoke to several witnesses at the scene and investigations into the crash are continuing.