The man was believed to have veered off the road and into a tree about 10.30am at the corner of Strathfieldsaye and Fitzgibbon Roads.

Witnesses found him conscious at the scene. Student Graham Glenister said he was driving behind the man at the time of the crash.

Mr Glenister said smoke was billowing from the car and that he feared for the man’s life.

“I was concerned the car would catch on fire,” he said.

Mr Glenister was among a number of passing motorists who stopped to help the man until paramedics arrived. The SES also attended the crash.

“He was slumped over, his right leg was broken and he was bleeding from the head,” he said.

“We lifted his head up to help him breathe. 

“He was looking around frantically so we were relieved he didn’t appear to have suffered any spinal injuries.

“Given the speed of the crash, I think he was very lucky.”

The man was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition with head and leg injuries.