A man has died after the truck he was driving rolled on SH57 between Linton and Tokomaru.
The crash is believed to have occurred around 4.30am and was called in a few minutes later by a passing driver.
The truck carrying tinned food was travelling south towards Tokomaru on a sweeping bend when it crossed the centreline and rolled on to its side in to a drainage ditch bordering a paddock. The truck driver died at the scene.
The truck was wedged in trees and it took several hours for the driver's body to be freed from the wreckage. A crane, tow truck and digger were all used to assist police and fire in the operation.
The road is due to re-open shortly.
The driver is believed to be a man in his 50s from the Wellington area. He is likely to be named later this afternoon once all relatives have been informed and a formal identification has taken place.
The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Serious Crash Investigation Unit. It is too early at this stage to speculate on cause however there is no suggestion that the road was icy.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.