Police officers have been told a car was heading southwest along the Midland Highway at about 6.20pm when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Bacchus Marsh Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable John Volf said the man, believed to be in his 30s and from Invermay Park, was heading westbound and the only occupant of the car. 

He said witnesses told police the driver had overtaken a vehicle and returned to the right side of the road, then veered across the eastbound lanes, just missing an oncoming vehicle, before crashing into a tree. 

He said the vehicle had caught fire with the man trapped inside, but the impact of the collision alone would have resulted in significant damage.

Witnesses called emergency services, which attended the scene.

Police are continuing their investigations.