State Highway 2 at Te Puna has now re-opened following a fatal road incident at approximately 7.05am (Friday 30, January).
Initial indications suggest that a male pedestrian has stepped from the shoulder of the road into the path of a truck which was travelling towards Katikati just prior to Ainsworth Road. The man died at the scene.
Police are keen to trace the driver of a vehicle that was travelling behind a bus on that stretch of road this morning, also in the direction of Katikati, as they may have useful witness information. The bus braked sharply and the vehicle following it had to go around the bus to continue its journey. This would have been around 7am just prior to the fatal collision between the truck and the pedestrian.
No further information about the pedestrian will be made available until next of kin have been informed.
Police are asking the driver of the vehicle following the bus, and anyone else who may have information to assist the crash investigation to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.