A critical incident investigation has been launched following a crash at Windale, near Lake Macquarie overnight.

About 12am (Sunday 28 February 2016), police from Lake Macquarie Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attempted to stop a blue Holden Commodore in Gateshead.

The Holden failed to stop and a short time later crashed into a power pole on Willandra Crescent, Windale and caught fire.

A male passenger was released from the car before the fire was extinguished.

The driver was trapped in the Holden for sometime before being released.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

A critical incident team from Newcastle City Local Area Command will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident and will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command.

No further details are available at this time; however, police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone who can assist should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.