One dead after truck crashes off Kopu-Hikuai Road on Coromandel Peninsula

Monday, 3 December 2018

A police cordon is in place at the start of the western end of Kopu-Hikuai Road following a fatal crash.

A truck driver has died after crashing four metres down a bank off the Kopu-Hikuai Road in Coromandel.

The 57-year-old man died at the scene of the crash on State Highway 25A at noon on Monday.

He was travelling eastbound along the highway when the double trailered truck went off the road and rolled down a bank about 3km from Kopu, Senior Sergeant Will Loughrin, of Waikato police, said.

It ended up upside down with one person reportedly trapped inside.

* Two injured in van, motorbike crash on the Coromandel**

The driver was the sole occupant and understood to be from the Coromandel area.

He was accompanied by a pilot vehicle up ahead, Loughrin said.

The road has since been closed between Kopu and Hikuai while police Serious Crash Unit, photography and Commercial Investigation Unit conduct a scene examination.

Diversions were in place and traffic is unable to get from Kopu to Hikuai.

NZTA reminded drivers that Karangahake Gorge between Paeroa and Waihi is also down to stop-go due to a slip so motorists are advised to expect delays.

'Police is also aware that a number of people would have seen the crash or come across it shortly afterwards and then have left the scene.

'We would appeal for anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to police to come forward.'

They should call Hamilton Police Station on (07) 858 6200.

SH25A KOPU TO HIKUAI - ROAD CLOSED - 12:30PM

Due to a serious crash #SH25A is NOW CLOSED between Kopu & Hikuai. Please delay your journey or allow extra time for long detours, including Stop/Go on #SH2 Karangahake Gorge: https://t.co/Afl77Ppgps ^TP pic.twitter.com/cnljsKaoWh

— NZTA Waikato/BoP (@NZTAWaiBoP) 2 December 2018