It’s believed police on patrol first saw his vehicle driving erratically around Albert Street before it allegedly took off at speed earlier in the night.

However, officers did not attempt to intercept the offending car due to safety reasons, Victoria Police spokeswoman Jessica Brennan said.

Minutes later, the man’s car smashed into a power pole and burst into flames on the corner of Albert and Kent streets about 2.50am.

Police arrived at the intersection shortly afterwards, finding the driver had seriously injured himself and was trapped inside the burning vehicle.

The man was eventually freed from the wreckage before being arrested by police as an ambulance arrived.

A spokesman for Ambulance Victoria said paramedics conveyed the man to Ballarat Base Hospital with neck, back and leg injuries.

His passenger, a 33-year-old Ballarat man, avoided injury and was assisting police with their inquiries.

The investigation was ongoing and charges had yet to be laid as of Friday afternoon, police said.

The road was temporarily blocked off as emergency crews worked to free the man from the sedan.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au