Truck driver dies in State Highway 1 crash south of Kaiwaka

The scene of a fatal truck crash, 2km south of Kaiwaka State Highway 1, Northland. Photo/ Michael Cunningham

Traffic on State Highway 1 is still down to one lane and is expected to stay that way until at least 4pm today, while a crane is brought in to remove a truck and trailer involved in a fatal crash.

The driver of the truck has died in a crash in south of Kaiwaka after crashing into a stationary vehicle and plunging down a bank.

The truck went down a bank, close to the intersection of State Highway 1 and Settlement Rd in Kaiwaka, Kaipara District, at about 6am, police said.

"Initial indications show the truck hit another stationary truck on the road before going down a steep bank," police said.

The driver died at the scene. No one else was injured.

The crash caused delays on SH1 just south of Kaiwaka with police saying part of the road would be down to one lane for several hours.

UPDATE 6:50AM#SH1 reduced to 1 lane at crash scene currently with road closure likely. Allow extra time for delays & likely diversions. ^TPhttps://t.co/xz7At0apCh

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 6, 2019

Serious Crash investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash.

6:25AM: Reports of a serious crash on #SH1 just south of Kaiwaka (between Brynderwyn & Wellsford). Please follow directions of emergency services. Delays in the area are likely & road closure is possible. ^TP pic.twitter.com/jndZxFCpzH

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 6, 2019