Illawarra man killed in ‘traumatic’ crash at Figtree

Police have released more details about a man killed after he was struck by a car at Figtree, urging anyone with information to come forward.

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A 56-year-old Figtree man has tragically died after he was hit by a car just south of Wollongong on Thursday night.

Police were called to the Princes Highway at the busy O’Briens Road intersection around 9.30pm on February 13, after receiving reports a man had been struck by car.

Emergency services rush to the scene on Thursday. Picture: supplied.

It’s understood the man was with a group of other people at the time of the incident, with a witness telling the Illawarra Star she heard a “huge bang” before a woman’s screams.

Police arrived a short time later and performed CPR on the man, but he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 25-year-old driver of the car involved in the incident was taken to Wollongong Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing. On Friday morning, Wollongong Police acting inspector Sam Perfrement said the alcohol testing had returned a negative result.

“Obviously it’s not a nice situation to be placed in,” he said. “He is helping us with investigations at this time.”

Insp Perfrement said investigations surrounding the man’s movements prior to his death were still ongoing, and that it wasn’t yet known where he had been or where he was going.

“The movements in relation to the pedestrian are still continuing, and that’s something that will form part of the investigation,” he said.

“It’s something that’s traumatic for families, for all those involved, including police and other emergency services.”

The man’s death is the second tragedy on Illawarra roads this week, after 16-year-old Shaye Tallis was killed after his bike collided with a car at Blackbutt on Tuesday.

Shaye Tallis died at Blackbutt after colliding with a car on Tuesday evening. Picture: supplied.

“The obvious message for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists is to remain vigilant and take care on the roads,” Insp Perfrement said.

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam vision of Thursday night’s crash is urged to come forward.