A man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a lorry on the A194(M) in Gateshead.
Emergency services were called following reports a 25-year-old man had collided with a HGV near to the junction with the A195 and Follingsby Lane at around 5am on Sunday.
The North East Ambulance Service dispatched a Hazardous Area Response Team, a specialist paramedic and an ambulance to the scene.
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The man received medical attention from paramedics on the carriageway before being taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
He remains in hospital at this time in a critical condition after sustaining life-threatening injuries.
The road was closed for around seven hours before reopening to drivers at around midday.
Northumbria Police is now appealing for more information from the public to assist with their inquiries into the collision.
A spokesman said: "Officers are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision on the A194(M) eastbound at around 5.10am this morning (21 November).
"Early this morning officers attended the scene on the A194(M) near to the junction with the A195 and Follingsby Lane, after an HGV and a 25 year-old man collided.
"The pedestrian was taken to the RVI, with life threatening injuries, where he remains in a critical condition. The man’s family have been informed and are being supported by officers.
"The driver of the HGV remained at the scene and is supporting officers with their investigation.
"Enquiries are ongoing and police are keen to speak to anyone who was travelling in the area around 5.00am- 5.20am and may have witnessed the collision and those who may have dashcam footage.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us via the Tell Something pages on the Northumbria Police website or contact 101 quoting reference NP-20211121-0251."
