The 42-year-old Guyra woman suffered critical injuries in the crash on the New England Highway, 7km north of Armidale about 2.45pm.

She was trapped in the wreckage of her Kia Rio for 30 minutes before she was rescued and rushed to Armidale hospital.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter airlifted her to John Hunter Hospital on Wednesday night. She remained in a serious condition in a coma on Thursday afternoon.

Investigations are continuing into the crash that saw three other drivers taken to hospital for precautionary checks and mandatory testing.

Police have been told the woman was travelling in a line of cars on the highway, when the Kia Rio collided with a second vehicle, near weed sprayers who were working in the area, off the road. 

The impact of the crash then saw the Kia Rio lose control, and collide with two further cars and roll, landing on its roof.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

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Meanwhile, a truck driver has been released from hospital after he crashed his B-double off the New England Highway near Kentucky.

Police have been told the driver was headed south on the highway about 5.45am on Thursday when he attempted to avoid hitting a kangaroo that jumped out onto the road.

The driver lost control of the truck, ran off the road, colliding with a drain and trees.

The impact of the crash ruptured the truck’s diesel tank.

He was taken to Armidale hospital by ambulance with suspected fractures to his ribs but was later released.

The crash blocked part of the highway for several hours.