Tragedy as traffic controller, 30, is killed in a suspected hit and run crash involving a stolen car

A traffic controller has been killed in a suspected hit and run involving a stolen car as a manhunt is launched to find the driver.

A 30-year-old road worker was killed when a car allegedly ploughed into him while stationed on the Bruce Highway in Mackay, Queensland on Tuesday morning.

Witnesses performed CPR on the man and emergency services were called to the scene on Ron Camm Bridge but he was unable to be saved.

A friend and former colleague of the man told Daily Mail Australia his mother was extremely close with the 30-year-old and she is ‘broken’. 

‘I worked with him on that site and many other sites, he worked with on night shift and just happened to be my mum’s boss,’ John Walker said.

‘My mum is broken… we as a family knew him very well.’

The car allegedly involved in the incident was found 10 kilometres away but the driver was nowhere to be seen. 

Police have deployed a team including sniffer dogs to search for the driver of the vehicle after it was left abandoned.  

Friend of the victim Mr Walker said he regularly worked in the area and was well known to locals.

‘He was a great guy, he always tried his best, brilliant at work an gave his time up to let other workers get a break or something,’ he told Daily Mail Australia. 

‘He will be sorely missed.’

The north lane of the Bruce Highway on the Ron Camm Bridge has been closed for all traffic as police continue their investigation.  

Queensland Traffic have told people to expect delays in the area and make alternative plans for travel.