Tauranga motorcyclist killed in front of partner

Emergency services are at the scene of the crash on Carmichael Rd in Bethlehem. Photo / George Novak

A motorcyclist died in a collision with a car in Tauranga just before 7 o'clock last night.

The 26-year-old local, whose partner was riding another motorcycle just behind him, crashed heavily into the late-model Peugeot as it turned into the Bethlehem Country Club in Carmichael Rd, said Acting Senior Sergeant Phil Gillbanks.

"Witnesses and passersby have attempted to administer first aid, however the rider has sadly died immediately at the scene."

The driver of the car, an 84-year-old local woman, was taken to Tauranga Hospital.

Mr Gillbanks said the young victim's partner managed to stop short of the crash.

"She is naturally extremely upset and is being cared for by family and friends."

He said serious crash investigators had conducted an initial scene examination and inquiries were continuing to establish further details as to the exact cause of the incident.

Mr Gillbanks said it was imperative that motorists concentrated at all times, "ensuring that the roadway is clear before proceeding across intersections or across the path of oncoming traffic".

"This is yet another tragic event on our roads which could easily have been prevented."

Mr Gillbanks, the district's road policing manager, said the investigators would like to hear from any witnesses to the crash who had not yet been spoken to. They should contact Tauranga police on (07) 577-4300.