Live power lines and a large number of agitated bees are posing problems for motorists and emergency services following a fatal crash in Waikato this morning.
Police have warned those travelling between Tauranga and Hamilton to expect delays as emergency services work to clear the scene.
The man who died was driving a ute carrying beehives which overturned when it smashed into power pole on State Highway 29 near Matamata.
Acting senior sergeant Dale Smith of Waikato Police said the crash occurred about 1.45am, and was first noticed by a truck driver who realised the ute had disappeared from the road behind him.
"The driver of the truck and trailer unit noticed a large utility pull in behind him from a lay-by and follow him over the Kaimais, the vehicle then continued to tail him through Te Poi when he noticed a bright flash in his rear view mirror.