Footscray Park: War memorial destroyed in car smash on Ballarat Rd

A MAN has been injured and a war memorial destroyed in a fiery crash in Footscray. A car ploughed into the concrete column at Footscray Park, near Victoria University.

A car has taken out a statue on the corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads, Footscray. Picture: Mark Stewart

A MAN has been injured after ploughing his car into a war memorial at Footscray Park — causing traffic chaos in the area.

Emergency services were called to Footscray Park at Ballarat Rd and Geelong Rd, near Victoria University and Flemington Racecourse, about 8am.

The aftermath of the crash. Picture: Mark Stewart

The statue was destroyed as a result of the crash. Picture: Mark Stewart

A man in his 50s was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition. Picture: Mark Stewart

MFB crews received reports a man was trapped inside the car and the vehicle was on fire.

On arrival they learned the man had been freed and a fire extinguisher had been used to put out the small fire.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are unknown.

Ambulance Victoria said the man, aged in his 50s, had been taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.

The driver was initially believed to be trapped inside the car. Picture: Mark Stewart

What is left of the war memorial. Picture: Mark Stewart

Officials survey the area after the crash. Picture: Mark Stewart

The car is towed from the scene. Picture: Mark Stewart

A Google Map image of where the crash happened. Picture: Google.

Nobody else was injured.

Vic Roads said inbound traffic on Ballarat Rd still faced minor delays.

Maribyrnong City Council has been contacted for comment.