Driver killed after truck plunges into Lake Taupo

A truck driver was killed today after his vehicle went off the road and plunged into Lake Taupo.

The incident happened about 11.30am on State Highway 1 near Bulli Point, about 30km south-west of Taupo.

The driver, whose name has not yet been released, was the sole occupant.

Senior Sergeant Fane Troy said it appeared the truck had been going too fast around a right-hand corner, which was sign-posted with an advisory speed of 25km/h.

It was hard to say what speed the vehicle was travelling at, he said.

However, it caused the truck to tip over the road barrier and drop about 70m into the lake.

The incident reduced SH1 to one lane.

Mr Troy said the driver's body had been recovered.

Attempts would be made tonight to pull the truck out of the water.

- NZPA