Police investigating Burnie crash – pedestrian struck by garbage truck
Police are seeking witnesses to a crash in Burnie this morning where a pedestrian was struck by a garbage truck.
Around 11.35am, a garbage truck traveling south on Mount Street and turning left into Cattley Street, struck a female pedestrian who was crossing Cattley Street at the intersection which is controlled by traffic control signals for both road and foot traffic.
The 80 year old Burnie woman who was struck by the truck was transported by Ambulance to the North West Regional Hospital where she is listed in a critical condition.
The garbage truck has been seized for examination and the driver has undergone mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
Police are investigating and would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash cam vision of the truck before or around the time of the crash.
Without speculating or identifying any contributing cause of this crash, Officer in Charge of Burnie Police, Inspector Shadbolt said, “it’s incumbent upon drivers of motor vehicles to give way to pedestrians, particularly at traffic-controlled intersections”.
“Although pedestrians do have right of way, pedestrians are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings when crossing the road and ensure that road traffic has stopped and giving way before crossing.”
Police thank members of the community who came to the assistance of the injured woman before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Cattley street was closed for around 2.5 hours and minor disruption was caused to Metro Bus Services who quickly established alternate routes within the Burnie CBD.
Information or dash cam vision can be provided to Burnie Police on 131 444 or through Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.