UPDATE: The freeway has reopened.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Gillies Road and the Western Freeway just before 6.10am.

It is believed a car travelling on east on the Western Freeway struck a bridge pillar of the overpass and caught fire.

A second collision then occurred between two other vehicles who were attempting to avoid the crash.

The driver of the first vehicle who is yet to be identified died at the scene.

A male driver of a car involved in the second collision was trapped before being freed from the wreckage.

He was airlifted to hospital with life threatening injuries

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit 

PREVIOUS: The Western Freeway remains closed in both directions at Mount Rowan after an earlier collision.

Traffic diversions are now set up between Learmonth Road and the Midland Highway, Ballarat.

Gillies Road has been closed in both directions near the freeway. 

Emergency services are directing traffic at the exit ramps. Drivers can continue their trip using Learmonth Road, Howitt Street and the Midland Highway around the diversion but allow plenty of extra time. 

The freeway will re-open once investigations have take place. 

VicRoads engineers will monitor conditions in real-time through Ballarat and adjust signals as needed to keep traffic moving in the area. 

For the latest traffic information around the state visit traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or download the VicTraffic app via your app store. 

If you see any hazards on our roads, please report them to the VicRoads Traffic Management Centre on 13 11 70, open 24/7. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.