One person was killed on Monday night when the vehicle they were driving rounded a slight left hand bend before leaving the road and colliding with a power pole on Arapuni Road, Putaruru.

Emergency services were called to the crash at about 11.00pm and found the driver trapped in the vehicle. Live power lines were covering the crashed vehicle.

The Fire Service was able to free the driver who was transported to Waikato Hospital where he later died.(Name embargoed until 1200hrs 16 March 2010)

Power was disputed to a number of properties for a period of time before repairs could be undertaken.

Serious Crash Investigators are continuing with their investigation.

Early indications are that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor to the crash.

Senior Sergeant Fane Troy says, "Once again there has been the tragic loss of life because people travel to fast for road conditions. Slow down and save lives, it may even be your own."

Road and weather conditions at the time of the crash were fine. Speed limit for the area is 100km/hr.