Man in critical condition after being struck by van in Midtown Toronto

A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Midtown Toronto on Thursday afternoon.

The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Yonge Street and Chaplin Crescent.

Police say a 37-year-old man was driving a Dodge Ram van southbound on Yonge and was sitting at a complete stop when an emergency vehicle approached from behind with its sirens on.

When the driver went to change lanes to get out of the way, the van lost control and drove up on the curb striking a male pedestrian sitting on a bench next to a bus shelter. The van continued through the intersection and stopped on the southside of the intersection.

The pedestrian was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition.

Investigators are examining the van for mechanical failure. There is no word if any charges will be laid.

Anyone witnesses are being asked to contact police.