A semi-trailer carrying a load of paper has burst into flames after crashing into an abandoned car parked on the side of the New England Highway near Singleton.
The crash happened at Ravensworth just before 10pm and sparked a large scrub fire.
The driver, a man in his 40's, suffered leg injuries and was flown to the John Hunter Hospital by the region's Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a serious condition.
The highway was blocked for almost 8 hours while emergency crews cleared the scene.
Newcastle Fire Command says the parked car was destroyed in the crash.
