A cyclist has tragically died after a collision with a truck on the Pacific Highway on the NSW Mid North Coast early Monday morning.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The incident occurred around 6am on Monday on the southbound lanes of the Pacific Highway at Bulahdelah. Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports a truck had struck a bicycle rider.
Despite the efforts of responding paramedics, the rider could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the crash site. The cyclist has not yet been formally identified by authorities.
The driver of the truck involved, identified as a 58-year-old man, was taken to Manning Base Hospital in Taree for mandatory testing. He did not sustain serious physical injuries.
Major Traffic Disruption and Diversion
The crash has caused significant disruption to traffic on a major arterial route. Southbound traffic on the Pacific Highway is being diverted onto Bulahdelah Way, which runs through the town of Bulahdelah.
According to Live Traffic NSW, this diversion route is suitable for all vehicles, including large freight vehicles like 26-metre B-doubles (GLM). Emergency services and specialist crash investigation units remain at the scene, which will likely impact traffic for several hours.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the crash is now underway. Forensic officers will examine the scene to determine the exact cause of the collision.
This fatal accident serves as a sombre reminder of the dangers on our roads, particularly for vulnerable road users like cyclists sharing space with heavy vehicles. The local community and road users are urged to plan for delays and exercise caution in the area.
Authorities have not released further details as the investigation continues.
