Police are investigating after a fatal crash in the Hunter yesterday.

About 5.25pm (Thursday 16 July 2015), a semi-trailer was travelling southbound on the M1 at West Wallsend, when it struck a 39-year-old man in lane one.

A Highway Patrol officer, who was nearby, rendered assistance to the pedestrian; however, he died at the scene.

Police and emergency services attended and road closures were in place for a number of hours.

The 27-year-old male truck driver was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

The crash is being investigated by specialist officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit and they are appealing for anyone with information that may assist their inquiries to contact Crime Stoppers.