Four hurt as vehicle rolls

FOUR people were critically injured in a single vehicle rollover on the Western Fwy last night.The accident occurred shortly before 11pm near the Ballarat-Maryborough Rd overpass.When the vehicle rolled, it is believed a female occupant was thrown from it.Two other passengers became trapped inside the vehicle when it came to a rest.Emergency service crews worked for at least half an hour to free the trapped occupants.Rural Ambulance spokesman John Mullen said the female, who was thrown from the vehicle, was in a critical condition and was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital shortly after.The three other occupants were taken to Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital in a serious condition. One man was believed to have received lower leg injuries, with another receiving head injuries.Four ambulance units attended.Police and VicRoads blocked the highway's east-bound lanes to traffic for at least two hours last night, as emergency crews worked to clear the scene.Police were unable to give any further information last night.They said the accident was still being investigated.