Man killed, two others hospitalised after horror car crash in Melbourne

A young man has died and a second is fighting for his life in hospital after a horror crash in Melbourne's north that split their car in two.

The Ford Falcon, carrying three 18-year-olds, was travelling down Plenty Road in South Morang about 1.10am today when the driver lost control and struck a power pole.

"This sort of event is totally horrific," Victoria Police Detective Sergeant Darren Williams said.

A male passenger in the car, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

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The driver, an 18-year-old man from Eltham, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

An 18-year-old Mernda man who was also in the vehicle was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

"He was a good kid," Daniel Gvero, a friend of the victim, told 9News.

"He was always polite… a ripper kid. I'm spewing.

"There are a lot of crashes that happen, you don't think it's going to be your mate in the car."

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The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing.

Major collision investigators spent more than eight hours at the scene.

Investigators would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or who has dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au