A busy Hamilton intersection has been reopened after being closed following a fatal collision between a cyclist and a truck this afternoon.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said the crash happened at the intersection of River Rd and Wairere Dr about 2.05pm.
"The crash is still being investigated by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit however initial indications are that it happened after a northbound bus stopped to give way at the roundabout in the intersection.
"It appears a 57-year-old male cyclist travelling in the same direction as the bus has under-passed the larger vehicle and come out into the roundabout colliding with the side of a westbound rubbish truck that had the right of way."
Mr Tooman said the cyclist was dragged a short distance in the collision before being run over by the truck, he suffered critical injuries in the crash and died at the scene.
"Arrangements have been made to ensure Victim Support is available to the occupants of the bus, some of whom were children. The road was closed to allow a preliminary analysis of the crash scene and was reopened following a karakia by a Police Iwi Liaison Officer.
"This latest death brings the Waikato road toll to 26 compared to 24 for the same period last year. What this means is there are 26 families not able to celebrate the holiday weekend with their loved ones, we need consider the consequences before we make risky decisions such as today's."
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