At 7.45pm on Saturday, police arrived on Mansfield Road, near Rollerworld.
Derbyshire Police said a 42-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 62-year-old man is in critical condition in hospital and a 34-year-old woman suffered minor injuries.
The 40-year-old van driver was arrested and is being held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Derbyshire Police did not elaborate on the specifics of the crash.
According to a police spokesman, officers are looking for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage.