The collision took place between a recovery crane of the army and a cab, which was on its way to Baramulla district, at Shalteng, resulting in death of three passengers and injuries to two others, a police spokesman said.
He said the accident led to protests from local residents and passersby who pelted stones at the army vehicle and tried to set it ablaze.
Security forces in the area used batons and fired tear smoke shells to chase away the protestors, the spokesman said.