The Alexandra man, 64, suffered head and suspected spinal injuries after he crashed about 11pm and forced the closure of Snow Road for nearly two hours.

Wangaratta’s Leading Sen-Constable Steve Williams yesterday said alcohol was the reason for the potentially fatal smash.

“There were cans everywhere — some full, some empty,” he said.

“There was a strong smell of alcohol.”

The driver was given a mandatory blood test at Wangaratta hospital, but an update on his condition was not expected until today.

Sen-Constable Williams said the man had been driving towards Myrtleford in a red Mitsubishi Triton when he crashed.

“The driver has failed to negotiate a band,” Sen-Constable Williams said.

“He lost control and rolled the car several times.

“It was dry and there was nothing wrong with the road.

“They almost had to air-lift him, but his condition improved enough to take him to hospital.”

The air ambulance in Melbourne was called before its flight was cancelled.

Other emergency services officers attended.

Sen-Constable Williams said the crash was another example of the dangers of driving when under the influence of alcohol.

He said it was a timely warning to other drivers leading up to the Christmas party season.