Cold, icy conditions may have been a factor in a fatal crash on the Desert Road in the central North Island this morning.

The male driver of a car died when his south-bound Toyota sedan and a north-bound truck and trailer unit collided at 8am north of Waiouru. The truck driver was not injured.

Specialised heaving lifting equipment had to be brought in to clear the wreckage and the Serious Crash Unit is investigating. State Highway 1 between Waiouru and Rangipo is closed and detours are in place.

– NewstalkZB