Driver killed in high-speed crash was wanted criminal

In a bizarre twist, one of two men killed in a high-speed crash last night was one of Geelong's most wanted men. 

Police said a Ford Territory ran a red light at the intersection of the Princes Highway and St Georges Road, Norlane, about 11.50pm.

The Territory slammed into a Holden Commodore, which was being driven by 46-year-old Grant Rankin. 

Rankin, who died at the scene, had been on the run since March last year after failing to appear in the Geelong Magistrates Court on drugs and theft charges. 

There were seven warrants out for his arrest and he had a criminal history that included firing a gun near his ex-partner's head and sparking a bomb scare. 

The 30-year-old man driving the Territory, Peter Nash, also died at the scene. 

Witnesses have told police the Ford was travelling around 140km/h when it crashed. A search of the car found drugs and cash inside.

"It actually sounded like it was louder than a shotgun sound, it was quite disturbing because the road was so quiet," Michael Gleeson said.

The 37-year-old male passenger in the Territory was taken to Geelong Hospital with chest injuries.

He is in a stable condition and police hope he can shed some light on how the crash occurred. 

Norlane is located about 66km from Melbourne's centre.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.