All emergency services - Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service - were called to the incident on the Midland Highway just before 6pm.

Ballarat Highway Patrol Sergeant David Whitwell said it had been determined that the driver of the 4wd ute, a man aged in his 20s, had crossed the centre line of the road into oncoming traffic, colliding with a heavy rigid truck.

The young driver was trapped in his vehicle for some time.

Six CFA units from Daylesford, Newlyn, Kingston and District 15 Headquarters attended the scene.

They worked to free the occupant of the vehicle for an hour and a half, completing the rescue just before 7.30pm.

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The man was then assessed by paramedics for upper and lower body injuries.

He was then airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.

The driver of the truck remained at the scene and has assisted police with their investigation. He was uninjured.

The impact of the collision significantly damaged both vehicles, with the ute completely destroyed and the truck sustaining mechanical damage.

Both drivers live in the area.

Sergeant Whitwell said the investigation was assessing whether fatigue or distraction were contributing factors in the collision.

The incident is being investigated by Ballarat Highway Patrol, with investigations ongoing.

No charges have been laid.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to file a confidential report online: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime

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