UPDATE 5PM: The Bruce Highway is set to be closed north of Bowen until at least midnight after a fatal crash involving a diesel tanker and two cars.

The crash happened about 2.20pm just north of the Collinsville turn-off, about 4km north of Bowen.

Foresic Crash Unit police are investigating but motorists are being urged to delay their travel with the highway set for major delays while the scene is processed.

EARLIER: Three people have died after a fuel tanker collided with a car in a horrific crash on the Bruce Highway north of Bowen.

A police spokesman confirmed the tragic deaths and said the next of kin were currently being contacted.

The Bruce Highway has been closed indefinitely and forensic officers were en route from Townsville.

A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said one person was assessed at the scene for minor injuries but no one was transported.

Firefighters are working to clean up 11,000 litres of diesel at the scene.

UPDATE 3.10PM: A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said at this stage it appears the driver of the fuel tanker has gotten safely out of the vehicle after it collided with a car on the Bruce Highway this afternoon.

ORIGINAL: Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on the Bruce Highway.

Initial reports indicate a fuel tanker hit a car 4.2km north of Bowen, shortly before 2.30pm.

A Queensland Police spokesman said it is believed a truck and two cars were involved in the crash.

The highway is expected to be closed for several hours.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area.

Queensland Police confirmed fuel is leaking from the tanker and the highway is expected to be closed in both directions for some time.

Paramedics are assessing multiple patients on the scene, with details of the extent of their injuries unconfirmed at this stage.

Two firefighting crews are also on scene.

More to come.