Truck driver died in crash on second day of work

Photo / File

A logging truck driver who died in a crash north of Gisborne this week was working just his second day on the job.

Dallas Hickey, 51, formerly of Northland, died when his loaded truck and trailor unit left the road and hit a steep bank near the Poturu Bridge on the Ihungia Road, inland from Te Puia Springs, about 8.40am on Thursday.

"Mr Hickey had lived in Gisborne with his partner for about 12 months, having come to the district from Dargaville," said acting Gisborne area police commander Senior Sergeant Maui Aben.

A serious crash investigation into the accident continues.

"It's too early yet to make any comment on the likely cause of the crash," Snr Sgt Aben said.

Mr Hickey worked for Hawke Equipment Ltd, a sub-contractor to Seymours Transport Services from Opotiki.

He had only just started with the company.

"The accident happened on his second day of work with them," Carla Seymour said.

"Basically at this stage we cannot comment on the accident, as no one knows what has happened because there are no witnesses.

"We offer our condolences to Dallas' partner Julie and their families," she said.

The rig sustained damage to the right hand side of the driving compartment.

It has been examined and photographed by police serious crash investigators.