Woman dead, man critical in Vic crash

A woman is dead and a man is fighting for life after a head-on crash in Victoria's west.

Police believe two cars collided head-on on the Western Highway near Stawell about 1pm (AEDT) Sunday.

A female passenger in one car died at the scene, while the male driver was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.

The female driver of the second vehicle was taken to Stawell hospital for observation.

Two children, who were passengers, were taken to the Royal Children's Hospital for minor injuries.

The state road toll is now 67 compared with 61 this time last year.