Emergency services attended the crash at about 5pm.

The northbound lane of the highway was immediately closed and it is likely it will remain closed throughout the night. Southbound lanes have re-opened.

At the scene, officers from the Hume Police District were told a northbound prime mover crashed into a B-double, which was broken down in lane one.

The impact caused the prime mover to catch alight. The driver died at the scene and has not been formally identified.

The driver of the broken-down truck was not injured and is speaking with police, who have established a perimeter around the scene.

Investigators are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact police.

Northbound motorists are advised to expect delays.