One dead in Desert Rd crash

A 30-year-old man from Lower Hutt died on the Desert Rd last night after the van he was driving collided head on with a truck.

The man was travelling north in a Mitsubishi van when it crossed the centre line while turning a corner and collided with a southbound truck, Sergeant Dave Frazer of Taupo said.

The 51-year-old driver of the truck was not injured.

The Lower Hutt man was the only occupant in the van which received extensive damage.

Weather conditions were poor at the time with light rain, gusty wind and some ice on the road, Mr Frazer said.

However, speed and alcohol were not factors in the crash.

The Desert Rd remained closed due to poor weather conditions.

- NZPA