One dead, two critically injured in crash near Geelong

A man is dead and another two have been flown to hospital with serious injuries after a crash west of Geelong, Victoria.

Emergency services said a ute and a van collided on the Hamilton Highway about 3pm. A male passenger in the van died at the scene, while the male driver, aged in his 40s, was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.

The man driving the ute was also flown from the scene in a critical condition.

State Emergency Service crews were required to cut one of the injured men free from the wreckage.

Major Collision Investigation Unit officers have now arrived at the scene and the road remains closed.

Police are still investigating and have urged anyone with further information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.