Photo: Maggie Raworth, Nine News

A man has died and several bus passengers have been injured after a car and bus collided on the Midland Highway near Ballarat this afternoon.

Caller Michael told Tom Elliott he was travelling between Ballarat and Creswick when he noticed a large police presence.

“I noticed a bus off in the distance on its side and a lot of people standing around,” Michael said.

“I just saw a helicopter land.”

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Victoria Police confirmed one man has died and “several” passengers are injured after the crash about 3.30pm.

Ambulance Victoria confirm they’re on scene and are treating five patients.

The highway closed in both directions at Sulky.