KEY POINTS:
Police have released the name of the eight-year-old boy who died at Mahia on Friday afternoon.
Julius Arthur Huata- Cracknell was riding on the back of a four-wheel- drive ute on Wainuiorangi Rd, Mahia, about 4.30pm when he fell onto the road.
Emergency services were called but Julius is believed to have died at the scene.
Sergeant Aubrey Ormond of the Wairoa police said the driver, a member of the boy's family, could face charges after investigations by the serious crash unit and coroner.
Children riding on the back of trucks was common in the area, Mr Ormond said.
"Ninety-nine per cent of the time it's okay but there's always that chance this will happen."
- HAWKES BAY TODAY
