15 May 2012

Truck found in swollen river but driver missing

12:59 pm on 15 May 2012

Police in Taihape say they have found a truck and trailer submerged in the Moawhango River, but there is no sign of the driver reported missing.

Police say the river is swollen and flowing fast due to heavy rain and a search has failed to find any trace of the 47-year-old Taihape driver.

The man was reported missing by his wife on Monday night when he failed to return home from the Hawke's Bay area.

Telephone calls by his wife and radio calls by the man's employer were unanswered.

The police dive squad from Wellington and salvage operators are on the way to the scene on Tuesday.