Rolled logging truck blocks state highway

STANDSTILL: It was absolutely no go when a logging truck rolled and blocked State Highway 1 south of Kaitaia yesterday.PHOTO/DANIELLE COLLINGS

A logging truck and trailer unit that rolled totally blocked State Highway 1 in the Far North.

Diversions were quickly put in place around the scene just south of Pamapuria School, eight kilometres south of Kaitaia, about 10am yesterday.

Northland police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said initial reports were it appeared the trailer unit had fishtailed, causing it to roll. No other vehicles were involved.

The cab unit managed to stay upright and the driver was not injured. The logs remained secured to the unit. Mrs Kennett said a loader was used to remove the logs and then upright the trailer.

Light vehicles were diverted on to Takahue and Ruaroa Rds, while heavy traffic travelling out of Kaitaia or to the Far North was told to use SH10, as the diversion was not suitable.

The state highway reopened about 1pm after the road had been cleaned.

Commercial vehicle investigators were at the scene and would be checking the vehicle to see if there were any other factors contributing to the crash.

The crash was at least the third on Northland's roads that involved a logging truck this year.