Scores injured, traffic chaos in 20-car freeway crash

Freeway crash
Heavy fog is a likely factor in a huge crash on a freeway north west of Melbourne. -AAP Image

A major crash involving more than 20 vehicles has caused traffic chaos north west of Melbourne, with paramedics treating multiple people at the scene.

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 (@VicTraffic) #victraffic pic.twitter.com/YNGeldhWOFDecember 11, 2023

Ambulance Victoria confirmed paramedics were responding to "multiple multi-vehicle incidents" at Myrniong with crews treating at least 18 patients as of about 6pm.

Two people were taken to Ballarat Base Hospital and the incident was ongoing, an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said.

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