The driver, a 44-year-old Noble Park man, was taken to The Alfred hospital with non-life threatening injuries, including back pain.

A short time after the accident, five cars travelling past the scene were involved in a nose-to-tail crash, causing more traffic disruption and lane closures. It is understood the second crash happened because the drivers were distracted by the burning truck.

A 37-year-old woman was taken to The Alfred for observation, with a sore neck and back.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said paramedics helped four people at the scene, including two women who were not taken to hospital.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash.