An investigation has been launched into the death of a motorcyclist following a crash near Launceston's Seaport on Thursday night.
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Just after 6pm on Thursday, Tasmania Police attempted to intercept the rider of a blue Honda motorcycle shortly before it collided with a Volkswagen station wagon entering Home Point Parade near the Seaport. The rider - a 21-year-old male - died at the scene.
At the time of publication, police had not received permission from the family to release the identity of the deceased, although a GoFundMe page has been set up with the purported aim of supporting the family's funeral costs.
According to Commander Stuart Wilkinson, police were around 100 metres short of the crash site when the two vehicles collided. It remains unclear what stage the traffic lights were on when the rider entered the intersection.
Following the death, an investigation is being undertaken to examine both the initial interception as well as the subsequent collision and death. The investigation is being led by Professional Standards and a report will also be compiled for the coroner.
"We're reviewing the actions of our own police, but at this stage we're very happy that the police actions were appropriate [...] There's no suggestion that police have done the wrong thing in this circumstance," Commander Wilkinson said.
By an interception attempt, Commander Wilkinson clarified that police - who were travelling in a marked police vehicle - activated the emergency red and blue lights and the siren to alert the rider to pull over.
"When the attempt was unsuccessful the emergency equipment was deactivated and shortly after that vehicle was involved in the collision," he added.
When asked, Commander Wilkinson clarified that police were not in pursuit of the vehicle when it crashed but also cautioned that the investigation is still ongoing.
The latest road fatality brings the state's tally this year to 14, compared to just four during the same period last year.
Commander Wilinson noted that police were very concerned by the number of road fatalities and were exploring options and initiatives to combat the rise.
Police are continuing to ask anyone who saw the blue Honda motorcycle travelling in the vicinity of the crash to contact police.
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