One man is dead and another is fighting for his life in hospital after the vehicle they were in veered off the road and slammed into a ditch, striking a culvert.

The man was without vital signs at the scene and police later confirmed he succumbed to his injuries. 

A second man was rushed to South Lake Hospital in Newmarket with life-threatening injuries, according to York Regional Police Staff Sgt. Bill Boogaard. However, he was then transferred to a trauma centre at Sunnybrook hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Police say it appears the driver of the van lost control while heading south on McCowan Road, after crossing a set of train tracks.  The van ended up slamming into the ditch near Herald Road.

Remember, for instant breaking news, follow @CP24 on Twitter.