Police have closed SH2 between Waipawa and Hastings after an ambulance patient jumped out of an ambulance and ran in front of a truck.
The death occurred around 4.40pm today on the highway near Te Hauke. Traffic is being diverted along SH50 and all motorists are asked to avoid the highway.
Police say the man was picked up by a St John ambulance from the Waipukurau police station and was being transported to Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital. The ambulance had stopped on the side of the road near Te Hauke and the man apparently jumped out the back door and ran across the road straight into the path of an oncoming truck. He died at the scene.
It is believed the man may have ingested petrol when he arrived at the Waipukurau police station and the ambulance was called regarding that.
More information will be provided when it becomes available.
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All media inquiries to Eastern District Communications Manager Kris McGehan on 027 2223638.