A motorist killed by falling logs was trapped in his car and the Desert Rd was closed for several hours yesterday after the latest accident involving a logging truck.
Huge logs flew off a southbound truck's trailer about 3 pm, crushing the northbound car and killing the driver, police say.
The body was still trapped in the car, 20km north of Waiouru, at 7.30 pm, said Sergeant Dale Jenkins, of Waiouru.
"A whole trailer-load of logs fell off. How many actually hit the car we're unaware of at this moment."
Police thought the man was alone in the car, but it was so badly crushed they could not be certain last night.
Several other motorists saw the accident.
Another truck following the logging truck braked and jack-knifed after the accident, before hitting a bank.
The driver was not seriously injured.
It was not known why the logs had come off the trailer.
Sergeant Jenkins would not comment on whether police were considering laying charges.
"I can't answer that until we've completed our investigation," he said.
The Desert Rd was expected to reopen about midnight.
The safety of logging trucks has come under increasing scrutiny.
The Land Transport Safety Authority estimates that up to 60 rigs tip over each year.
A Log Truck Safety Council has been set up by the industry to improve driver training and safety practices.
Most accidents occur on central North Island roads
- STAFF REPORTER, NZPA
Flying logs crush car, killing driver
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