Otago teen hit by milk tanker

File photo / NZPA

A Maheno teenager is fighting for his life after being struck by a milk tanker near Maheno in Otago early yesterday.

Emergency services were called to State Highway 1, on the Maheno-Herbert road, following reports a pedestrian was struck by the northbound vehicle about 1.15am.

The 18-year-old was taken to Dunedin Hospital by the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter.

He remains in intensive care with serious injuries to his head and chest.

Senior Sergeant Craig Brown, of Dunedin, said the driver of the milk tanker was shaken but unhurt.

A traffic detour was put in place, and the road was reopened at 11am.

Police inquiries were continuing as to where the youth had come from before the incident.

It was too early to say whether he was intoxicated, Snr Sgt Brown said.