Police confirmed on Friday morning that the fatalities were that of a 76-year-old male from Young who was driving westbound in a 2004 Holden Utility and a 87-year-old male driving a 2013 Toyota Yaris with a 85-year-old female front passenger, with both from Lyndhurst.

The Mid Western Highway had been shut in both directions following the horrific triple fatality, with the road not completely opening over nine hours later.

Chifley Police District Chief Inspector Glenn Cogdell explained that the incident was a head-on crash occurring in the eastbound lane around 4pm.

"About 4pm on Thursday afternoon, about 35 kilometres east of Cowra on the Mid Western Highway, there was a collision involving two vehicles," Inspector Cogdell said.

"As a result, unfortunately three people have passed away, with police attending, with ambulance, SES, Fire and Rescue NSW and RFS. The highway was closed until about 1.09am on Friday morning.

"Police are investing the cause of the crash and Police Science also attended. A report is being prepared for the coroner."

Inspector Cogdell said the scene indicates the Holden utility was on the incorrect side of the road at the time of the head-on collision.

"At this point in time, the point of impact was in the eastbound lane, so indications are that the utility was on the incorrect side of the roadway," he said.

NSW Ambulance duty officer Adam Parker said the scene was particularly distressing for those paramedics that were on scene.

"Any scene like this is particularly horrific, not only for paramedics but all emergency services personnel," he said.

"All persons were deceased on arrival."

Police are urging anyone that witnessed the crash or have any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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