Milk tanker driver killed in crash after bee sting named

The driver died at the scene of the accident yesterday afternoon. Photo / Daniel Hines

The milk tanker driver who died after driving off the road south of Nelson after being stung by a bee has been named as Eric Heath.

The 47-year-old was from Timaru.

He died at the scene of the accident that happened just after 2:30pm yesterday afternoon on the Kohatu-Kawatiri Highway near the intersection of Lamb Valley Road.

A crane was used to remove the tanker from scrub and the road was closed and a detour put in place as investigations took place.

Police yesterday told the Herald the driver appeared to have been stung by a bee before crashing off the road.

However, an investigation into the exact circumstances around the crash was ongoing.

Police passed on their condolences to Mr Heath and his family and friends at this time.