It is believed the female driver was travelling north along the Sunraysia Highway near Burrabri Road when the car she was driving struck a tree about 4.30pm.

The woman died at the scene. There were no other people in the car at the time of the crash. 

Ballarat Police Sergeant Rick Nield said it was too early to confirm the identity of the woman including her age or where she was from.

“Investigations are pending in relation to that,” he said. “She was travelling north along the highway… causes will be determined at a later stage.”

Sergeant Nield said the stretch of road had been “pretty clear” at the time of the accident.

Ballarat Police, Lexton Police, Learmonth Police and the Ballarat Highway Patrol, Lexton CFA, Ambulance Victoria and Maryborough SES attended the scene. 

The exact circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing.

The Sunraysia Highway was closed at the scene of the accident with vehicles facing detours to Maryborough and Amphitheatre. 

Sergeant Nield said the road would remain closed until it was decided whether a coroner would come up from Melbourne or Geelong. 

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

NOTE: The Courier's responsibility as a news organisation is to report the news as it happens; to establish with authority what is happening at emergency scenes, where it is happening and to keep our readers informed of updates in print and online. 

Our coverage of road incidents including images, warns people about what has just happened as well as the more general dangers on our roads.