Updated 11:20am, Tuesday January 2: A teenage pedestrian who died in a crash involving a vehicle on the Tasman Highway near Sorell overnight was “lying on the road surface”, police have confirmed.
The 16-year-old boy from Berriedale was hit by a car on the highway at Orielton just before midnight on Monday.
Police say multiple triple-zero calls were received from motorists shortly after the incident, including the driver of the vehicle, who had stopped to assist at the scene.
“Initial inquiries indicate that a vehicle … has struck the boy who was lying on the road surface. Tragically the boy was deceased on arrival of emergency services,” police said in a statement on Tuesday morning.
The highway, which is the main route between Hobart and the east coast, remains blocked in both directions around the scene as police continue their investigations.
Traffic travelling in the area is being diverted via Brinktop Road and Fingerpost Road through Richmond.
“As part of the investigations, it is believed the boy was travelling in a blue Mazda Tribute in the Orielton area prior to the crash,” police said.
“Inquiries are continuing and police are appealing for witnesses to the crash and anyone who saw the blue Mazda Tribute around midnight to come forward.”
“Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the boy.”
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
8:30am, Tuesday January 2: A teenage pedestrian has died on the first day of the new year after he was reportedly hit by a vehicle overnight.
Police say the 16-year-old was struck on the Tasman Highway at Orielton just before midnight on January 1.
”The full circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated,” a police spokesperson said.
”Police remain at the scene and motorists are asked to avoid the area until further notice.”
1:11am, Tuesday January 2: A pedestrian has reportedly received “serious injuries” in a severe crash on the Tasman Highway at Orielton around 12:30am tonight.
Police say the highway will be closed for several hours, with traffic being diverted at Brinktop Road and Greens Road.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area until further notice.
