A teenage girl is dead and a young man has been arrested after a van they were travelling in crashed following a police chase along the Western Highway near Ballan.
The allegedly stolen Hiace van collided with two trucks at about 2.30pm on Tuesday (September 19).
Police said the van failed to stop and was being pursued near the Ballan-Daylesford Road turnoff on the Western Highway for about four minutes when the crash occurred.
A female passenger from the allegedly stolen vehicle died at the scene.
A male teen, believed to be the driver of the vehicle fled, triggering a manhunt in nearby bushland.
Police arrested a 17-year-old in the Ballarat suburb of Wendouree West on Tuesday evening.
He is assisting police with their inquires.
The deceased woman is yet to be formally identified.
An investigation into the incident has commenced and will be oversighted by Professional Standards Command as per normal procedure.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dash cam footage is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
