A Maheno Transport Ltd operator was killed on Monday night, when the truck and trailer unit he was driving left the road on State Highway 1 north of Kaikoura rolled on its side and hit a power pole.
John William Johnston (48), of Maheno, was driving north when he veered across the centre line at Parikawa, about 50km from Kaikoura.
Constable Dean Schroder said yesterday the eight-wheeler truck with its four-axle trailer was carrying cattle.
Initial inquiries indicated Mr Johnston attempted to turn back to the north bound lane, but the trailer tipped. The truck and trailer went off the side of the road and collided with a power pole, rotating and pointing back south, on its side.
No other vehicles were involved, he said.
A local farming family, joined shortly after by a retired paramedic, tended to Mr Johnston at the crash site, but could not revive him.
Several cattle from the truck had to be destroyed and the electricity supply cut to houses from Parikawa to Waipapa Bay.
Traffic was reduced to one lane until yesterday morning while police carried out a scene examination.
Const Schroder said inquiries were continuing, including where Mr Johnston had come from and his destination.
