A teenager is in a critical condition after the petrol-powered bike he was riding collided with a bus in New Norfolk.
The crash happened on Derwent Terrace shortly after 4pm on Monday.
The 17-year-old rider was treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.
An 18-year-old passenger on the bike suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The bus driver, a man in his 50s, was not hurt. There were no passengers on board at the time.
A Tasmania Police spokesperson said the rider had turned right onto Derwent Terrace and collided with the bus, which was travelling in the opposite direction.
“While investigators are working to determine the location of both vehicles on the roadway, at this stage it appears the bike may have travelled into the oncoming lane, into the path of the bus,” the spokesperson said.
The bus was operated by Kinetic and was returning empty to the depot after a New Town to New Norfolk school service.
Kinetic’s executive general manager for Tasmania Graham Smith confirmed the crash involved one of the company’s buses and two people on a bike.
“The two children on the bicycle have been transported to hospital, with one in critical condition,” Smith said.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.”
Smith said the company was supporting the driver and co-operating fully with police.
“Safety is our highest priority and we are conducting a thorough investigation alongside authorities to understand what occurred,” he said.
Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis described the crash as terrible.
“Illegal petrol-powered bikes are a big concern on our roads, needing much stronger enforcement,” Dracoulis posted on social media.
“But tonight we should remember the family and friends who are worried and hurting, as well as the bus driver, witnesses and first responders dealing with their own trauma from this event.”
Derwent Terrace was closed for several hours while police examined the scene.
Investigators are now seeking witnesses who have not yet come forward, along with anyone who has dashcam or other footage of either vehicle before the crash.
Anyone with information can call police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 306-22062026 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
