'It could have been worse': Multiple people injured after 16-car crash on Melbourne freeway

One of Melbourne's busiest freeways was shut down for hours last night after 16 cars and a B-double truck collided in a serious crash at Glen Waverley.

Police said the multi-car crash happened about 7.15pm on the Monash Freeway inbound near Blackburn Road.

The crash occurred while the driver of the B-double truck was travelling in the right lane and the cars in front of him began to slow, police believe.

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The driver of the truck stopped at the scene and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Nearly a dozen other people were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

At least three have since been discharged.

Senior Sergeant Paul Egan said injuries from the crash could have been "far worse".

"It's one of the bigger ones I've seen but thankfully no one was too seriously injured," he said.

"I looked at some of the footage when I started work and I'm quite surprised that no one was a lot more seriously injured, especially the first car that the truck hit, which was a ute."

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One of the drivers involved in last night's crash has said his car was crushed "like a can" after he was struck from behind.

The Monash Freeway was closed for hours while investigators examined the scene, but has since reopened.

Police are keen to speak to any drivers who have dashcam footage of the lead-up and moment of the crash.

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