Tourist hit and killed by truck in Napier

Emergency services were called to the crash near the intersection of State Highway 2B and Meeanee Quay about 5pm today. Photo / File

A tourist staying in Hawkes Bay has been killed after he was hit by a truck at a notorious intersection in Napier last night.

Emergency services were called to the crash near the intersection of State Highway 2B and Meeanee Quay about 5pm today.

Witnesses described two cyclists trying to negotiate their way across the highway to get to the other side. It is possible they were trying to get access to a cycle track there.

Initial inquiries suggested the husband and wife, who were visiting Napier and staying nearby, have been walking their bikes across the busy road. The wife had successfully crossed the road, but unfortunately the husband did not.

He was struck by a light truck near the centre of the road despite the truck braking heavily to avoid the collision.

He was transported to the Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital, but died shortly after.

The truck was travelling toward Napier at the time, and with the merge/turning lanes where the couple tried to cross, the road was effectively four lanes wide.

The weather was fine, but it was a busy time for the intersection.

"Unfortunately the man's wife has witnessed the crash, which is horrific when you think about it, and our hearts go out to her and her family," said Senior Sergeant Greg Brown.

The driver of the truck and two other witnesses were traumatised by what they saw, and all will be supported by Victim Support.

The police serious crash unit attended and will investigate the crash.

If anyone else witnessed the crash, they should contact the Hawkes Bay serious crash unit.

"Tragically, this appears to be an error in judgement that has resulted in the worst possible outcome for all concerned," Mr Brown said.

The man's identity is known, but the name won't be released until police have had a chance to advise the remainder of the family.

This intersection is in the top five for serious and fatal crashes in the country, and was the scene of a near-fatal collision between a logging truck and a car only a few months ago.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has plans to have a roundabout installed at the intersection, which has claimed lives in the past, in 2016-2017.

"It is one of those intersections that for some unexplained reason people keep making mistakes with. The speed has previously been reduced to 80km/h to reduce the risk but perhaps this needs to be explored further in light of the latest crashes."