A motorcyclist was rushed to Tauranga Hospital after colliding with a truck on Mount Maunganui's Aerodrome Rd on Tuesday afternoon.
The man, believed to be aged about 30, is now fighting for his life after suffering severe head injuries in the crash.
The 4pm crash forced the closure of the road and Hewletts Rd traffic was diverted.
The man was taken to hospital by St John ambulance in a critical condition.
Acting Sergeant Andrew Crockett said the Fulton Hogan truck driver involved in the crash was not physically hurt but was "pretty shaken up".
It is understood the truck driver was comforted by friends and sent home.
The collision occurred about 100 metres from the Hewletts Rd intersection on the airport side of the road.
Mr Crockett said the motorcyclist was travelling along Aerodrome Rd towards Hewletts Rd and the truck was turning when the collision occurred.
He said police were still speaking with several witnesses from nearby businesses.
For what the witnesses did and more on the crash, read Wednesday's Bay of Plenty Times.
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