One man has died following a fatal crash in the Manawatu Gorge.
The crash is believed to have happened just after midnight when a truck and trailer was travelling through the gorge towards Woodville. It appears to have lost control, left the road and went through a barrier and down the bank. The truck came to rest about 15 to 20 metres down the bank and the trailer came to rest about 25 metres down the bank in the water.
The driver of the vehicle is believed to be a 49-year-old man from Palmerston North. He will not be named until he has been formally identified.
The road is expected to be closed for a considerable part of the day as crane equipment will be required to recover the truck and trailer from the gorge.
The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Serious Crash Investigation Unit.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the truck and trailer driving prior to the crash is asked to contact Palmerston North Police on 06 351 3600.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.