A truck driver has died after a fiery crash into two parked trucks at the South Wangaratta Hume Freeway rest area on Wednesday morning.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said it was understood a freight truck lost control before it crashed into the parked trucks in the southbound rest area and subsequently caught fire just before 5am.

The yet-to-be-identified driver and sole occupant of the truck died at the scene.

The occupants of the parked trucks, who were sleeping at the time, were not injured.

Police are working to establish the exact circumstances of the crash.

One lane of the southbound Hume Freeway remained closed at the rest area exit on Wednesday morning as police investigated.

The heavily damaged and burnt-out truck was visible from both sides of the freeway, with its cargo toppled and laying sideways.

One other truck was visibly damaged next to it and another truck was parked some 100 metres away from the crash site in the rest area.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

There have been 220 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, nine more than this time in 2024.