A man has died after he was struck by a police vehicle on Flinders Island overnight.
Emergency services were called to Lady Barron Road around 9pm on Saturday after reports a pedestrian had been hit.
Assistant Tasmania Police Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the man in his 60s from Lackrana was walking on the road when the collision occurred.
The man, a Tasmania Fire Service volunteer, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bodnar said the incident would have a “profound impact” on the man’s family, emergency personnel and the entire community on the small island.
“The police officer was not physically injured, however as you can imagine, was incredibly distressed by the incident,” he said.
“This is a tragedy involving two people who worked together in a small community and it will no doubt have an impact on everyone involved for some time to come.”
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family, loved ones, colleagues and the entire Flinders Island community.”
Bodnar said the officer involved was on general patrol at the time, travelling within the speed limit and was not responding to a specific incident at the time of the crash.
“An investigation is underway into the circumstances, early investigations suggest the pedestrian has crossed onto the road before being struck by the vehicle,” Bodnar said.
“As is always the case, a full Professional Standards investigation will take place to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.”
Crash investigators were flown over during the night and will continue to investigate the scene this morning.
Tasmania Fire Service Acting Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Matt Lowe said he has “confidence” that Tasmania Police will “thoroughly investigate this incident”.
“Wellbeing support is being offered to our members and we will continue to support them throughout the investigative process,” he said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
