Body of truck driver found

The body of a driver whose truck plunged off the road near Kaikoura has been recovered.

Stuart James Barnes crashed down a 25m bank on the Hundalee Hill on State Highway 1 about 5.30am on Wednesday.

Until now rescuers had been unable to locate the body, despite extensive efforts by alpine cliff rescue teams and the use of an infra-red camera.

A family member confirmed his body had been found today.

Police earlier said a digger would today search the large amount of debris and rubble from the crash in the ravine.

The extensively damaged truck and 7m trailer were lifted out by a crane on Thursday.

Mr Barnes was 59 years old and lived in Papakura in Auckland.

- Matthew Theunissen of The Herald on Sunday

Add a Comment