Police Scotland have just confirmed the fatalities and also revealed that four more men were taken to hospital for treatment – with medics describing the condition of two of them as ‘life-threatening’.
The smash happened at 12.20 am near Mossend Cottage, west of Cargenbridge, with police, fire and ambulances racing to the scene.
The vehicles involved were a Honda Civic and a Honda CRV.
Chief Inspector Lorraine Napier, of Police Scotland’s road policing unit, said: “This tragic incident is extremely upsetting for everyone involved and our thoughts are with the family of those who have died.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing and we will do all we can to establish the full circumstances that led up to the crash.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact officers via the 101 number.
The road remains closed at this time while a full collision investigation takes place.
