Police were called to a remote stretch of the Calder Highway at Teddywaddy, north of Bendigo, at 7am after a passer-by reported a car on its roof.

A man’s body was found in the wreckage, which investigators said could have been there for some time before it was discovered.

The incident comes after a truck driver died when his vehicle hit a tree in Laen East — about 45 minutes’ drive west — on Donald-Murtoa Road at 3pm on Wednesday.

“The families and friends have all lost loved ones and it’s an absolute tragedy,” said Superintendent John O’Connor.

He said it has also been challenging for the officers.

“I’ve had some of my members attend the first fatal yesterday and they’ve attended again today in the early hours of this morning.”

Superintendent O’Connor said rural roads were busy at the moment as people ventured out during school holidays, sometimes driving large distances on unfamiliar roads.

“I’m pleading with drivers to slow down and drive to the conditions,” he said.

“We’re getting to the end of the school holidays and it’s great they’re up in the Mallee enjoying themselves … but I really ask people plan and get a good night’s sleep before heading back down to Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat or Bendigo so [they’re] not fatigued.”