Police are investigating a single vehicle crash at 1.00am Thursday morning on Masterton-Castlepoint Road near the small settlement of Tauweru which claimed the life of a 31 year old local man.

The man, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, crashed into a bank on the side of the road and died at the scene. Tragically, he was only a few kilometres from his home address.

The cause of the crash is not yet known, but Police believe the man was not wearing a seatbelt.

A diversion around the crash scene has been established - with traffic currently being diverted along Te Parae Road and into Masterton-Stronvar Road while the Police Serious Crash Team conduct a scene examination. The diversion is expected to remain in place until approximately mid-morning.

The victim's details will be released once next of kin have been advised.