One dead in Melbourne freeway smash

A woman has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after being trapped in a Melbourne freeway pile-up that also claimed the life of a driver.

Five cars and a truck crashed on the Princes Freeway at Point Cook on Thursday, causing traffic chaos.

A woman in her 30s was trapped for over an hour in a car following the 2.45pm crash.

The dead person, who is yet to be identified, was the driver of the same car.

Another 12 people were assessed by paramedics but did not need hospital treatment.

Victoria's road toll now stands at 45 for 2017, 28 fewer than the same time last year.