Motorcyclist killed in Opotiki

A 39-year-old man died last night after being thrown from his motorcycle in the eastern Bay of Plenty town of Opotiki.

Police said the man was riding the bike when he hit a raised traffic island in the town at about midnight last night.

The riderless bike then hit a pedestrian who suffered serious injuries.

The motorcyclist died while being attended at the scene by paramedics.

Police believe speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash.

The man's name has not yet been released.

The pedestrian, a 16-year-old Opotiki woman, received head and spinal injuries and was flown to Whakatane Hospital by the Tauranga-based TrustPower TECT rescue helicopter.

Her condition is described as moderate.

- NZPA