Three people have died after five vehicles collided on a busy highway in Victoria.
Emergency services rushed to the smash on the Western Highway near the intersection of Thomas Road about 12.30pm on Wednesday.
Its understood two cars, a B-double and two smaller trucks were involved in the multi-vehicle crash.
The driver of one of the cars died at the scene.
Two people inside one of the trucks was also declared dead.
The three deceased are yet to be identified.
The driver of the other car involved was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Victoria Police said the circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined.
Three people have died after five vehicles collided on a busy highway in Victoria (stock)
The highway has been temporarily closed in both directions.
Drivers have been told to detour via Moyston using Ararat-Halls Gap Road and Moyston-Great Western Road.
The Department of Transport and Planning said motorists should leave plenty of time as detours could add more than 20km to a journey.
Investigations are ongoing.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are expected to visit the scene.
