Much of State Highway 5 between Napier and Hastings was closed for several hours on Wednesday after an early-morning fatal crash south of Te Pohue, northwest of Napier.
The single vehicle incident was reported near Palmer Rd at 2.43am and the road remained closed until about 7.30am, with motorists wanting the early-morning drive offered only the alternative of detours via Manawatu or Gisborne, adding several hours to the journey.
Police said the incident involved a single vehicle and the sole occupant died at the scene.
