Peak-hour chaos after fatal Vic smash

Afternoon peak-hour traffic on Melbourne's busy Western Ring Road has been thrown into chaos after a fatal collision.

A man died on Tuesday after his car crashed into the rear of a truck parked in the emergency lane on the Western Ring Road, in Fawkner in Melbourne's north.

The truck driver was not injured, police said.

Following the accident, the Western Ring Road was closed between Sydney Road and the Tullamarine Freeway, causing major disruption to traffic in the area.

A police spokesman said it was not expected to be reopened until 6.30pm (AEST).