Tragedy hits family

Four-year-old on bike struck on garbage collection day

A FOUR-year-old boy has died after he was hit by a garbage truck while riding his bike in the state’s North.

Tasmania Police Inspector Ruth Orr said it was the most confronting scene she had attended in 25 years.

“I don’t have any words to describe how upset (the family) are,” she said.

The incident happened at Newnham, in suburban Launceston, about 12.15pm yesterday.

A FAMILY is in mourning and residents of a suburban street have been left shocked after a garbage truck hit and killed a young boy.

The four-year-old was struck by the truck at 12.15pm on Wednesday, as it was emptying bins in Bishops Drive, Newnham, in suburban Launceston.

The young boy was riding his bicycle in the street alone, Tasmania Police Inspector Ruth Orr said.

“We are just unclear as to exactly how this tragic circumstance has happened, but the four-year-old boy has collided — or been collected — by the front of the rubbish truck and has died

at the scene,” she said. Police do not know if the child was being watched by his family at the time, however there were eye witnesses to the incident.

“He was definitely out riding his bike on the street, but whether there were other people doing the same thing, I don’t have that information,” Insp Orr said. “I can only speak for myself … this is the most confronting scene I’ve attended in 25 years.”

Insp Orr said because it was school holidays there were people on the street who witnessed the young boy at the time of the incident. She asked for privacy for them and the family.

“I don’t have any words to describe how upset (the family) are,” she said.

Tasmania Police and Ambulance Service were first on scene, followed by crash investigators, forensics, the National Heavy Vehicle Register and WorkSafe.

“The driver of the vehicle was exceptionally shaken up and I would suggest in shock,” Insp Orr said.

“He’s obviously assisting us with inquiries, there’s a number of processes that we would do in these circumstances where a fatality on our roads has happened and he’s going through that process at the moment.”

Insp Orr confirmed it was only the young boy and his bicycle, and the garbage truck, involved in the crash.

“Police are also liaising with the family, driver and those affected to ensure appropriate care and support is available to them,” she said.

Tasmania’s road toll is now two for the year.