One dead, one injured in beekeeper truck accident at Motu

Police said the beekeeper was shifting beehives when the accident occurred early on Sunday morning. Photo/File

A Tauranga beekeeper was killed and a companion hurt after their truck tumbled more than 20 metres off a track in a remote part of Gisborne.

The 24-year-old beekeeper died early Sunday morning when the light truck he was using to shift beehives on a farm property in the Motu area went off a farm track and rolled down a bank.

The emergency services were called to the remote property at 1.30am.

A police spokeswoman said the beekeeper was believed to have been from Te Puke.

"The 24-year-old man, who was driving, and a companion, were negotiating the farm track in their four by four Toyota Dyna light truck when it got too close to the edge of the track, and went over the edge," said Matawai police officer Mutu Noanoa.

"The truck rolled 20-30 metres before it came to a stop.

"The passenger in the truck jumped out as the vehicle went off the track."

The driver was found outside the truck when it came to a stop, he said.

Police had not yet released the man's name as all next of kin have yet to be informed.

A man in a second vehicle following the truck witnessed the crash and called emergency services.

The Matawai volunteer fire brigade sent its four-wheel-drive appliance to the scene, and a rescue helicopter was called in from the Bay of Plenty.

"The chopper was stood down when it was realised the 24-year-old was deceased."

His 25-year-old companion suffered a leg injury in the accident.

"He was taken to Gisborne Hospital by St John ambulance, with a moderate injury," Noanoa said.

The hospital reported this morning the injured man was treated and discharged.
WorkSafe NZ has initiated an inquiry.

"The crashed truck remains at the scene, which has been locked down as part of the inquiry."

A post mortem examination will be conducted.

- The Gisborne Herald