Driver killed after cyclist knocked over in two-vehicle crash

One person is dead after a light truck and ute collided. Photo / Abe Leach

One person is dead after a truck and ute collided and knocked over a cyclist in New Plymouth this morning.

The ute driver died and the cyclist was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The truck driver was treated at the scene.

A crane was needed to clear the light truck from the ditch after the 9.30am crash, near Airport Drive.

Diversions are in place on State Highway 3 north of New Plymouth, and are expected to be lifted this afternoon.

Taranaki Highway Patrol Sergeant Allan Trow said a westbound light truck travelling towards New Plymouth and a an eastbound utility travelling towards Waitara crashed.

"The two vehicles have collided, as a result a cyclist has been hit by the light truck."

Trow did not believe the cyclist's injuries were life-threatening.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.