news, local-news, Cyclist death, cyclist crash bass highway, bass highway somerset crash

UPDATE 3pm: A male cyclist died instantly in a crash with a Volvo rubbish truck on the Bass Highway at Somerset on Thursday morning. Before the crash the cyclist was travelling west on the Bass Highway while the truck was travelling out of McKays Road, turning east onto the Bass Highway, police said. Senior Sergeant Steve Jones said police were called to the scene about 7.10am. “Early investigations are not showing speed as a factor. Crash investigation services did attend this morning and are making inquiries and are putting the scene together,” he said. Senior Sergeant Jones said the there was some dampness on the road due to rain on Wednesday night and that visibility was “quite good” at the time of the incident. The driver was the only person in the garbage truck during the crash. “The truck driver was not injured in the accident but he was very shaken,” Senior Sergeant Jones said. “The cyclist was wearing the correct protective equipment and was wearing a helmet.” Police would not reveal the name of the male cyclist as the next of kin living interstate had not been notified. The cyclist was travelling on the sealed shoulder of the Bass Highway at the time of the crash. Senior Sergeant Jones said there were no blind spots in that area of the road. “It’s still early in the investigations. All the pieces need to be put together and witnesses will be spoken to,” he said. “I cannot give an indication at this stage whether charges will or will not be made.” Senior Sergeant Jones urged drivers to be vigilant in the early morning. “Be very aware when you are turning left or right on to junctions and just watch out for anything that might be coming your way.” Witnesses to the incident can contact Crimestoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au UPDATE 11am: Police have confirmed a male cyclist died as a result of a crash on the Bass Highway near Somerset this morning. The crash occurred at the intersection of the Bass Highway and McKays Road about 7.15am on Thursday. The crash involved the cyclist and a truck. Police are investigating the cause of the crash. UPDATE 10am: The Bass Highway is clear after an earlier crash near Somerset. Traffic is no longer diverted. EARLIER: Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash near Somerset. The crash is believed to be fatal. The crash is understood to have happened near McKays Road. A police spokesperson said the road was expected to be closed for a number of hours. East-bound traffic are asked to travel via Mount Hicks Road into Somerset and west-bound traffic are asked to travel via Falmouth Street through Somerset. B-Double trucks will be directed through the area by police on the scene.

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