Lanes in both directions were closed as an air ambulance landed to transport the 75-year-old driver to Sunnybrook hospital, where he was listed in serious condition, Ontario Provincial Police said. OPP are still trying to determine what caused the southbound Honda CRV to leave the highway just south of Concession 8 at 4:43 p.m.

Police, paramedics and Clarington firefighters converged on the scene and worked to free the driver, who was trapped by the vehicle's steering column. A female passenger was unhurt, OPP said.

The accident scene north of Orono was cleared by police at 8:30 Tuesday evening. An investigation continues and witnesses are urged to call Constable Ritchie at the Whitby OPP detachment at 905-668-3388.