30-yr-old killed by truck after night out with mates

A 30-year-old man died when he was hit by a truck, as he was returning home after a night out with friends near Taupo.

The Waitahanui man was hit about 11.30pm yesterday on State Highway One at Waitahanui, about 15km south of Taupo.

A Scania general goods - A-train - truck and trailer was travelling north on State Highway One when the man stepped out onto the road.

The driver swerved in an attempt to miss the man but he was struck by the truck.

Taupo Police Constable Casey Wellwood said it appeared the man was returning home after socialising with friends at another address.

Ambulance staff attended immediately but the man died at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved.

The truck received minimal damage and was not carrying hazardous substances at the time.

Mr Wellwood said weather conditions were treacherous, with heavy rain and strong winds.

The road surface was wet but in good condition.

- NZPA