Access path cut into gorge to extricate trapped truck driver's body

The steep terrain at the scene of yesterday’s fatal truck crash on the Otira Highway between Arthur’s Pass and Greymouth is continuing to thwart efforts to extricate the driver’s body.

A digger is being used today to cut an access path down the face of the gorge to reach the wreckage of the truck and trailer unit.

The crash happened on SH73 about 6.30am yesterday when the fully laden truck and trailer unit travelling towards Greymouth left the road and plunged 50m down the gorge. Police and other emergency services used ropes to reach the wreckage and found the driver’s body trapped inside the cab.

Although the highway re-opened last night, police and other personnel including contractors are still at the scene today in a bid to free the driver’s body which remains trapped in the cab.

Police are unable to release the driver’s name until he his formally identified. They are however keeping the family of the man who they believe it to be fully informed of the situation.

“The man’s family is naturally very upset and want some certainty as soon as possible. They ask that their privacy be respected at this point.”

Constable Currie said the digger has cut an access path down the gorge face and is moving rocks “the size of small cars” to reach the wreckage. Cutting equipment will then be brought in to get to the truck’s cab.

The recovery operation is expected to run throughout today. Although the road is open, motorists are asked to take care.

The cause of the crash is being investigated. There’s been a good response from people who were travelling on SH73 early yesterday morning but Greymouth Police would like to hear from anyone else who was in the area around the time of the crash to call Greymouth Police Station: 03 768 1600.