The car crashed through the bridge barrier on the A629 Western Bypass near Skipton, landing near the canal below.

The driver of the vehicle, a man in his 70s from West Yorkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene, North Yorkshire Police said in a statement.

A woman, also in her 70s, was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but died a short time later.

Their next of kin have been informed.

The crash happened at 1.20pm on Saturday. The police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

The crash involved a dark red Vauxhall Grandland that was travelling south on the bypass in the direction of Keighley from the Gargrave Road roundabout.