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 from 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.
