Police are investigating the circumstances of a man’s death in Newmarket early this morning.
“Just before 1am, a stationary Police unit was conducting speed checks on the Southern Motorway near Greenlane,” said Superintendent Zane Hooper.
“A vehicle passed the unit and was detected travelling at excessive speed.
“After a short delay, the Police unit moved from its stationary position, activating its blue and red lights, and started travelling in the same direction as the motorist was last seen.
“Camera operators began to monitor the vehicle’s movements.
“A short time later the speeding vehicle collided with the centre barrier on the Newmarket flyover, before moving to the left side barrier and coming to a stop.
“The Police unit that was some distance behind initially passed the stationary vehicle, which was obscured by a passing truck, and was advised by camera operators.
“The driver of the vehicle exited his vehicle.
“The Police unit carried on heading north, subsequently re-directing themselves back to the scene through the motorway network sometime later.
“Before the Police unit arrived at the stationary vehicle, a camera operator has observed the man climb over the motorway barrier where he has either fallen or dropped to the ground below the overbridge.
“Police patrols were immediately deployed to the commercial area below the Newmarket flyover and provided first aid.
“Unfortunately, the man succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene.
“This is a tragic event for all those attending staff and welfare has been put in place for our people.
“Police are also in liaison with the family of the deceased man.
“Police have notified the IPCA of the incident, as is standard procedure in these circumstances.
“The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene on the Newmarket flyover and carried out an examination.
“A critical incident investigation has been established to understand fully what occurred this morning
“As part of that investigation, a post-mortem will be carried out with formal identification procedures to be completed.”
