A teenage boy has died after being run over when he was ejected from a car by a group of associates and left lying on a major Tasmanian road.
Police were called to the Tasman Highway at Orielton, 10 kilometres north-west of Sorell, just before midnight on Monday, after reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car.
Initial police inquiries indicated the 16-year-old boy was lying on the road before a car hit him.
It is believed the boy was travelling with a group of associates in a blue Mazda Tribute in the Orielton area before the crash, Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Adrian Leary said.
"He was conveyed there with a group of people who were known to him."
"It's unknown at this time as to why he got out of the vehicle and why he'd been left behind by the group, Mr Leary said.
Police received multiple calls from drivers who stopped to help, including the driver of the car that hit the teenager, but the boy died at the scene.
"We don't believe he (the driver) had any alcohol on board, and he's certainly been very traumatised by the matter," Mr Leary said.
The blue Mazda was found by police on Tuesday morning about 30km from the highway in Clarendon Vale and empty.
Detectives have spoken with one of the occupants of the car that the Berridale boy had been travelling in, but are seeking to speak to the rest.
Police are urging anyone who saw the blue Mazda around midnight to come forward.
"This is a tragic situation," Mr Leary said.
"Unfortunately it appears to be quite accidental and certainly very traumatic for all people involved."
The Tasman Highway reopened on Tuesday afternoon after traffic was diverted while police conducted investigations.
Investigations are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
