Motorcyclist killed in collision

A motorcyclist was killed on a busy rural road this morning when the rider smashed into a turning truck.

Waikato Police are urging motorists to ensure they pay attention following the fatal collision on the Hauraki Plains.

District road policing manager, Inspector Marcus Lynam, said the crash is currently being investigated by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit who are working to establish the cause of the crash and the identity of the motorcycle rider.

"The crash investigation is still in its formative phase however initial indications suggest the crash, which happened on Swamp Rd, the route linking Paeroa to Tahuna, involved the westbound motorcycle colliding with a turning truck about 6.20am."

Mr Lynam said the crash scene was about 300m from a bridge near the intersection with State Highway 26.  Driving conditions at the time were described as good but with low fog or mist and the sun had yet to rise.

Mr Lynam said Police advised motorists travelling between Paeroa and Tahuna this morning to consider alternative routes as the preliminary crash investigation would take some time.

"In driving conditions such as this morning's it is imperative motorists maintain a high degree of situational awareness and make the appropriate decisions that match the conditions and environment."

The latest death brings the Waikato road toll to four fatalities from four crashes. "The saddest thing about each of these deaths is that each was an avoidable tragedy."  

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