Fatal crash involving logging truck on expressway in Hastings

One person died instantly in a crash with a logging truck on the Hawke's Bay Expressway in Hastings.

Emergency services were called to the scene involving the truck and a car near Links Road at 7.53am.

Sergeant Paul Ormerod said a black Suzuki vehicle with one male occupant was travelling south on SH50a, while a McCarthy Transport logging truck was heading north.

A Suzuki Swift and a logging truck collided on the Napier Hastings expressway this morning. Photo / Warren Buckland.

"The Suzuki veered right into the path of the logging truck. The truck took evasive action as much as possible but the two vehicles collided, killing the occupant instantly."

The Suzuki flipped onto its roof, coming to a rest on the left-hand side on the grass verge of the expressway.

The truck driver did not receive any injuries.

The man who died was a foreign national.

Sergeant Ormerod said police were in the process of informing next of kin and family of the man killed.

He had no family in New Zealand.

The road was closed and diversions were in place. Motorists were asked to avoid the area as lengthy delays were expected.

The Serious Crash Unit was investigating.