A 27-year-old male pedestrian has been struck and killed by a truck and trailer unit on SH3 at Turakina in the Rangitïkei yesterday evening (10 March, 2014).
The crash happened just after 10pm near the Whanganui Road intersection in the Turakina Township. The truck driver and other witnesses gave first aid to the man but he died a short time later at the scene.
The driver of the truck was uninjured but is shaken from the incident. Officers are in the process of formally speaking to him as well as the other witnesses.
Early indications suggest the man was attempting to hitchhike to Whanganui and has stepped out into the path of the oncoming truck.
The Serious Crash Unit and the Whanganui Police are continuing their investigation.
Anyone that saw or heard the crash is asked to contact the Whanganui Police.
Police will not release any further details about the man until his next of kin has been informed and formal identification is completed.
If anyone has any information please contact Constable Craig Jackson of the Whanganui CIB on (06) 349 0600. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.