A driver has died after a horrific single-vehicle crash near the New England Highway at Rutherford on Friday night.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene just before midnight, where they found a vehicle had left the road, gone over a guard rail and into an embankment, and subsequently caught fire.
NSW Fire and Rescue were called to extinguish the blaze, and three NSW Ambulance crews attended the scene.
The driver, and sole occupant, was confirmed deceased but has yet to be formally identified, police said.
A crime scene was established, and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Port Stephens-Hunter police are calling for witnesses, or anyone who may have dash-cam footage of the incident on Anambah Road, to contact Maitland Police Station or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
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