The woman, 20, was the driver of a Mitsubishi sedan which stuck the rear of a black Holden utility on the Western Highway about 6.15pm.

The accident caused a third vehicle - a blue Holden utility - to crash into the rear of the woman's car.

The dead woman's passenger, in her late teens or early 20s, was transported to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The Greendale woman became the 176th person to die on Victoria’s roads this year.

The driver of the second car, believed to be a man in his 30s from Blackwood was taken to hospital for observation.

The driver of the third car, believed to be in his late 20s from Greendale was attended to by paramedics at the scene.

Police said the Major Collision Investigation Unit were investigating the cause of the accident and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Officers are hoping to speak with anyone travelling on the Western Highway at Myrniong around the time of the accident.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.