Woman dies in north Qld car crash

An elderly woman has been killed in a two-car crash in north Queensland that's left her husband fighting for life.

The couple were travelling in a sedan being driven by a 27-year-old man that collided with a 4WD at an intersection on the Kennedy Highway, near Atherton, on Thursday morning.

The 78-year-old woman from Ravenshoe was pronounced dead at the scene.

An 84-year-old man was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition, while the driver suffered minor injuries.

"The critical patient we believe to be her husband," Queensland Ambulance senior operation supervisor Leon Cartledge said.

The 53-year-old driver of the 4WD and his 73-year-old male passenger have minor injuries.

Police have blocked the road in both directions and say motorists should avoid the area.

"We just urge everybody to take care and stay alert ... if you're fatigued, rest," Mr Cartledge said.

Investigators believe the sedan turned left into the path of oncoming 4WD.

It's the second road fatality in Queensland in less than 24 hours after a ute driver died following a crash with a school bus south of Toowoomba on Wednesday afternoon.