A Victorian firefighter has died in Bali after his motorcycle collided with a garbage truck, local police say.
Adrian Newton, 42, was on his way from the popular tourist spot of Kuta to Sanur in the early hours of Tuesday morning when he struck the truck from behind as it was attempting to do a U-turn.
He suffered open wounds to his cheek, chin and forehead, and died at the scene, Denpasar Traffic Police Chief Nyoman Nuryana told reporters.
United Firefighters Union national secretary Peter Marshall said Mr Newton's death would affect many within the tight-knit firefighting community.
"Station officer Adrian Newton was a highly regarded officer with specialist rescue qualifications. He served Victoria as a career firefighter in the CFA for three years and in the MFB for 19 years, and also as a recruit instructor," Mr Marshall said in a statement on Tuesday night.
"Firefighters are a tight-knit team, and his loss will impact on many who have known and worked with him. Our deepest condolences to his family."
Police say they have taken the driver of the garbage truck in for questioning and have reported the matter to the Australian consulate.
The head of forensics at Sanglah Hospital, Ida Bagus Putu Alit, said the 42-year-old Aussie had suffered a fracture to his jaw, a broken wrist and bruising to his abdomen.
"We couldn't smell alcohol from the outside and so we can't tell if he's under the influence of alcohol. To make sure of that, autopsy is needed," Alit told reporters.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the MFB have been contacted for comment.
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