Fatal truck crash

A man is dead after the truck he was driving crashed into a large norfolk pine tree.

Police and emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 2, Awatoto, Napier at about 3.15pm.

It happened about 400 metres south of the intersection of SH 2 and Ellison street, Napier.

Witnesses saw the light truck travelling toward Napier drift off the road and collide with the tree, senior sergeant Greg Brown said.

The man died at the scene.

Mr brown said that speed was not a factor in the crash and no other vehicles were involved.

The death will be referred to the coroner.

The serious crash unit will investigate to establish what happened. the inquiry will focus on whether driver fatigue, driver distraction, or whether a medical event have contributed to the crash.

The road was closed for about three hours, requiring diversions to be in place during peak hour traffic, Mr Brown said.

The name of the dead man would be released once next of kin had been informed.