Man killed in Waipukurau crash named

Police have named the driver killed in a single-car crash in the Hawke's Bay early today.

The accident happened on State Highway 2, about 3km south of Waipukurau, about 2.30am.

Benjamin Thompson, 24, of Takapau was found dead at the scene after he was thrown from his car during the crash.

Speed and a failure to wear a seatbelt were factors in the crash, Senior Sergeant Cory Ubels of Hawke's Bay Serious Crash Unit said.

Police had yet to determine if alcohol was involved.

Mr Ubels appealed for witnesses who may have seen the blue and grey Subaru stationwagon driving south from Waipukurau, prior to 2.30am.

- NZPA