Crane truck tips over in Trentham, Upper Hutt

A crane truck has tipped over in Upper Hutt causing a spectacle described as “Optimus Prime stuck in transformation”.

Brad Roberts took photos of the truck pointing skyward on Somme Rd in Trentham.

“I saw a crane standing up not like it should be. It was flipped, basically.”

Roberts understood the crane was lifting concrete window panels when it lost balance.

“The weight of the panel just caused the crane to tip on its back end.”

The crane was reportedly lifting concrete window panels when it lost its balance. Photo / Brad Roberts

One person said on social media that it looked like “Optimus Prime stuck in transformation”. Another person joked: “Can’t park there mate”.

Gillies Group said in a statement that one of its contractors was involved in an incident where a Hiab crane upturned.

“No one was injured and processes were in place to eliminate and isolate any further risks. WorkSafe were notified but found sufficient measures were in place.”

WorkSafe confirmed it was notified and is making initial inquiries.

One person said on social media that it looked like 'Optimus Prime stuck in transformation'. Photo / Brad Roberts

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.