POLICE are investigating the cause of the crash that occurred at 6pm on Tuesday on Kopkes Road, east of the Rail Trail.

It is believed a man, 23, was driving the Hilux ute at the time of the crash, and a woman aged in her 20s was a passenger.

Ballarat Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable Travis Johnson said it was believed the ute lost control before rolling onto its side. 

He said no other cars were on the road at the time and the crash happened close to the Haddon Nursery, in an 80km/h zone.

“The vehicle appears to have left the road after the driver has tried to over-correct it,” Leading Senior Constable Johnson said. 

Four police units and two ambulances were called to the scene.

Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman Susannah Hicks said an air ambulance arrived just before 7pm and flew the man to The Alfred Hospital in a critical condition. 

The woman was taken to the Ballarat Base Hospital before being taken to The Alfred in a serious but stable condition.

A nearby resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Courier the patch of road when the crash occurred was deemed an “unofficial” blackspot area.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash and have not ruled out speed being a factor. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.