Truck driver killed in crash named

Police have named the Wellington truck driver who died in a Manawatu crash early today.

Jackson Tiatoa, 51, died at the scene of the crash on the Tennent Drive section of State Highway 57, between Linton and Tokomaru, Police spokeswoman Kim Perks said.

The Toll Tranzlink truck, carrying tinned foods, was travelling down a hill towards Tokomaru about 4.30am when it lost control on an 85km/h bend and crossed the centre line.

It rolled on its side down a small ditch and became wedged in pine trees.

It took several hours for Mr Tiatoa's body to be freed from the wreckage and a crane, tow truck and digger were all used to assist police and firefighters in the operation, Ms Perks said.

It was not yet known what caused the crash but there was no suggestion the road was icy, Ms Perks said.

- NZPA