A Mossman Port Douglas Sharks rugby league club jersey was left in tribute at the scene of the crash. (ABC Far North: Brendan Mounter)

A woman and a toddler have died and other people have been injured in a crash north of Cairns.

Emergency services were called to the Captain Cook Highway at Oak Beach before 4pm on Friday.

Police said initial investigations indicated a white Mitsubishi Triton utility struck a red Mazda MX-5 before colliding with a white MG3 hatchback just south of the intersection with Reynolds Road.

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) said a two-year-old and a 34-year-old woman were assessed in a life-threatening condition, but both died at the scene.

A 22-year-old woman who was flown to Cairns Hospital with significant pelvic and abdominal injuries remains in a critical condition.

Ambulance workers said a man also suffered chest and back injuries and was taken to Cairns Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

The highway was closed after the crash.

Far North Police District Superintendent Mick Searle said the Forensic Crash Unit officers were investigating and would revisit the site of the crash in the coming days.

“It’s a head-on crash. There’s no escaping that. The images display that very clearly,” he said.

“Why that has occurred is still under investigation.”

Superintendent Searle said the scene was distressing and urged the community to lean on family, friends and partners.

Police are asking anyone with relevant information or dash cam video to come forward.

The ABC has decided not to publish the name of the woman and child at this time at the request of the family.

SOURCE: https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/woman-and-toddler-die-after-highway-crash-in-far-north-queensland-north-of-cairns/ar-AA23R12Q