The scene of a fatal accident between a truck and motorcycle near Shag Point yesterday. Photo by Craig Baxter.
Sergeant Peter Muldrew, of Oamaru, said it appeared the motorcyclist, who was travelling north, had taken action to avoid striking a car and in doing so entered the other lane, colliding with a southbound truck-and-trailer unit about 5.20pm.
The motorcycle caught fire soon after the collision.
"Emergency services were on the scene quickly but there was nothing they could do for the motorcyclist," Sgt Muldrew said.
The death would be referred to the coroner, he said.
Further details were unavailable last night.
The highway was reduced to one lane until about 9pm.
"There was a huge amount of traffic, so we let [vehicles] get past to prevent further crashes."
