NSW M1 highway blocked, man dead after being hit by truck

A man is dead and a major highway has ground to a halt after a serious truck crash on Tuesday night.

A pedestrian has died after he was hit by a truck on a major NSW highway.

The incident happened near Beresfield on the M1 highway on Tuesday night.

A police spokeswoman said a 22-year-old man died at the scene.

“Just after 7pm, emergency services were called to the M1 Pacific Motorway, Beresfield following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a truck,” the spokeswoman said.

“Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, and treated a 22-year-old man, however he died at the scene.

The crash happened about 7.20pm. Picture: Live Traffic NSW

“The driver of the truck, a man aged 60, was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.”

Police have set up a crime scene, are investigating and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

The collision caused the closure for all northbound traffic on the M1

The crash happened at Beresfield, west of Newcastle, about 7.20pm, information from the Transport Management Centre shows.

Live traffic maps show a 10km stretch of the highway blocked.

“All northbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway are closed due to a crash involving a truck and a pedestrian at Beresfield,” a Transport Management Centre alert said.

The alert was issued at 7.18pm, and at 9.30pm the highway was still closed for northbound vehicles.

“Northbound motorists can use the Hunter Expressway and John Renshaw Drive instead, and are advised to allow extra travel time.

“This diversion is suitable for vehicles up to 26 metres.

“Motorists are advised to follow directions of emergency services and traffic crews.”

Originally published as NSW M1 highway blocked, man dead after being hit by truck