A Tasmania Police officer is recovering in hospital after being struck by a garbage truck in Launceston's CBD.
The on-duty plain clothed senior sergeant was crossing the intersection of St John and Paterson streets around 10 o'clock this morning when the crash occurred.
Tasmania Police Northern Districts Commander Kate Chambers said her understanding was that the truck was turning right from Paterson Street into St John Street at the time.
She said the officer was in a serious but stable condition in the Launceston General Hospital and being treated for fractures to his pelvic region
"I've been up to see the police officer involved," Commander Chambers said.
"He's very grateful for my visit. I passed on the best wishes of the community and members of our agency. He is obviously at the moment being treated by the best medical staff at the Launceston General Hospital and I'm awaiting an update."
Commander Chambers said the long-serving policeman, who is in his 50s, is "a very well-respected and highly-regarded police officer".
She said she expected he would have a "long-road" to recovery ahead.
"He's worked in many areas of our agency and we really thank him for his service over many, many years," she said.
"We're hoping for a speedy recovery for him."
"These accidents impact all of us and they impact all members of our community," she said.
'Significant impact' on force, Commander says
Commander Chambers said support was being offered to colleagues of the injured officer.
"We're really conscious that our police officers attend the scene of serious and fatal crashes more often than what I would like," she said.
"This is another accident that will have a significant impact on them.
"I have reached out to those members and I will continue to support them, as will our wellbeing support officers."
The truck driver was physically uninjured.
The investigation, which has involved the use of a drone, is ongoing.
"We use drones as an investigative tool to map a scene and to understand all the angles and dynamics of a scene and we've certainly got great benefit from a drone in many serious and fatal crashes," Commander Chambers said.
St John Street between Paterson Street and the Brisbane Street Mall was closed for several hours while police investigated.
Buses were also diverted from the bus exchange located at the crash scene.
