Car crossed the centre line in fatal truck crash south of Rotorua

A 32-year-old foreign national was killed instantly when his car collided with a logging truck south of Rotorua last night, police have confirmed.

Police say their initial indications were that the crash, near Lake Rerewhakaaitu, happened after the car crossed the centre line.

Police said they were called to the crash at 6.53pm.

Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy of the Rotorua police traffic unit said both vehicles had received major impact damage.

A Ford Escort was travelling west down Ash Pit Rd when it crossed the centre line and had a head-on collision with a logging truck, he said.

The driver of the Ford Escort, a 32-year-old man, was killed instantly.

The truck driver sustained a minor gash to the head and was taken to Rotorua Hospital where he was treated and discharged last night.

Ash Pit Rd, between Republican and Rerewhakaaitu Rds, was closed while a scene examination was carried out.

The Serious Crash Unit and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team are investigating.