Large tree branch falls on van on State Highway 2, Te Puna

Anton Jackson and his workmates had a close call while travelling to work this morning when a large tree branch fell onto their van and smashed the window.

"We heard the crack," Jackson said.

Jackson's boss was injured in the incident but nothing serious. He later joked his boss had "screamed like a girl" when the branch fell onto the van.

Jackson said he and his workmates had felt pretty lucky they weren't seriously injured.

"We deserve a beer now," he said.

Police were called at 8.08am after the branch from a 20m pine tree crashed onto the van on the Te Puna side of Clarke Rd, shortly after the Te Puna roundabout on State Highway 2.

The police spokeswoman said the branch was blocking both lanes, but bystanders had helped to clear it.

A man in the van injured his knee but did not need treatment, the spokeswoman said.

Drivers were advised to expect delays while police and council contractors worked to clear the tree.