By Lloyd Burr
The man who died when his truck ploughed into the Bull’s RSA this morning was a 37-year-old from Dannevirke. Police are yet to release his name.
His truck and trailer unit was carrying full gas cylinders and electrical gear when it veered off the road and crashed into the building at around 3:40am.
The fire service had to cut him out of his cab but he died at the scene despite attempts by ambulance staff to resuscitate him.
He was driving the Taupo-Wellington route for logistics firm Retko.
Police are yet to determine the cause of the crash but say it was lucky the accident wasn’t worse.
Senior constable Chris Craig says the truck just missed the RSA’s main power source, meaning the truck and its cargo could have become live. It has also affected the integrity of the building.
“It has exposed a structural beam and part of the veranda covering the footpath so there is extensive damage at this stage,” he says.
The main road through the town is expected to be closed for some time while police and the Serious Crash Unit carry out their investigations.
The truck has been removed from the scene.
Retko’s general manager says it is an unfortunate incident.
“The loss of life is the biggest concern. Trucks and freight are replaceable but people aren’t,” he says.
The secretary of the Bulls RSA told 3 News that the building was hit by a car earlier this year and had just been repaired and says repairs from today's crash will be covered by insurance.
3 News