One person is critically injured, one other is trapped in the wreckage and another four are injured in a multi-vehicle crash that has completely closed the Bruce Highway in north Queensland.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Allendale Drive in Alligator Creek, 20 kilometres south-east of Townsville, about 2.15pm on Monday.

Paramedics, including critical care specialists, were treating six patients at the scene.

Firefighters were using cutting equipment to try and free one of the injured motorists.

Police said the highway was closed in both directions and should remain closed beyond 5.30pm.