Scores injured, traffic chaos in 20-car freeway crash

Heavy fog is a likely factor in a huge crash on a freeway north west of Melbourne. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

A major crash involving more than 20 vehicles has caused traffic chaos north west of Melbourne and left one person fighting for life.

The multi-vehicle collision on the Western Freeway at Myrniong near Bacchus Marsh happened just before 4pm on Monday.

Victorian Police said more than 20 vehicles were involved in the crash that happened with heavy fog in the area.

The Western Freeway has been closed in both directions between Bacchus Marsh and Ballan, due to a multi-vehicle collision at Myrniong. Please follow the direction of Victoria Police. Long diversions are in place. #victraffic pic.twitter.com/YNGeldhWOF

— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) December 11, 2023

Ambulance Victoria confirmed paramedics responded to "several multi-vehicle incidents" at Myrniong with a total of 20 patients taken to hospital.

One person was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition, while another 19 people, all in stable condition, were taken to hospitals including the Royal Melbourne, Ballarat Base Hospital, Sunshine Hospital and Footscray Hospital.

VicTraffic said the Western Freeway was closed in both directions between Bacchus Marsh and Ballan.