Local emergency services were called to a car accident and subsequent fire in Muckleford-Castlemaine Road on Sunday evening.

It is believed the driver of the hybrid model Porsche was travelling west from Castlemaine towards Muckleford, failed to negotiate the bend near Springvale Stud Farm and collided with a tree.

Fortunately, the man was able to climb from the vehicle before it erupted in flames.

Crews from the Walmer and Castlemaine CFA, Castlemaine Police and Ambulance Victoria attended the scene.

Castlemaine CFA captain Terry Franklin said the accident occurred around 8.56pm.

“The vehicle was well alight when we arrived, but fortunately the driver had got out of the car and was sitting on the roadside.

“This was the first electric vehicle accident we have attended where the car was on fire and there were some initial concerns it would take some time to extinguish as the battery cells can take a long time to burn out.

“However, we quickly applied B Class foam to cool the battery and were able to extinguish the fire within around 40 minutes.

“Fortunately, recent road grading works and the nearby trotting track meant not too much grass was burnt and it was quickly contained,” he said.

The driver was conveyed to hospital for assessment but is believed to have escaped the incident with cuts and bruises and two broken ribs.