Driver of light truck killed in SH2 collision named

Photo / File / Greg Bowker

The driver of a light truck who died in a three-vehicle collision on State Highway 2 in Tauranga yesterday has been named by police.

He was Santhosh Kumar Cherukuri, 27, of Lynfield, Auckland.

Police said Mr Cherukuri was travelling towards Katikati on SH2 at Pahoia when he crossed the centre line into the path of an approaching truck and trailer unit about 7.30pm.

Police said preliminary indications were that distraction or fatigue may have been contributing factors in the crash.

A car towing a trailer also collided with the Isuzu light truck.

The driver of the truck and trailer unit and the five occupants of the other car sustained moderate to minor injuries as a result of the collision.

Senior Sergeant Ian Campion urged drivers to take extreme care on SH2 between Bethlehem and Athenree. He said this was the eighth death in just over 12 months as a result of vehicles crossing the centre line on this stretch of road.SH2 was closed for over six hours after the crash yesterday.