Emergency services responded to reports at about 9.10pm of a collision between a van and a utility on the Mitchell Highway, about 2km east of Lucknow.

On arrival, officers from Canobolas Local Area Command found the male driver of a van had died.

Police have been told the driver of a utility, a man, left the area shortly after the collision.

Early investigations indicate that the van and utility have collided head on while driving in opposite directions on the Mitchell Highway, flipping the utility onto its roof.

Police were unable to locate the driver of the utility during a search of the area.

A crime scene has been established and will be examined by Metropolitan Crash Investigators, according to NSW Police.

The missing driver was described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 30s, wearing maroon tracksuit pants and a grey jumper.

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The Mitchell Highway was closed in both directions for a number of hours following the crash.

Diversions are currently in place and motorists should check www.livetraffic.com for up-to-date information.

Police are appealing for anyone that witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators to contact Orange Police Station on 02 6363 6399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Fairfax Media