Napier crash: Truck and trailer rolls, closes SH51 lane near Awatoto Rd

A truck and trailer rolled off State Highway 51 near Awatoto in Napier. Photo / Doug Laing 31 March 2026 NZME photographed by Doug Laing

One person has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after a truck and trailer rolled and closed part of a highway between central Napier and Awatoto.

Police were called to State Highway 51, about 850m north of the Awatoto Rd roundabout, at 11.20am on Tuesday.

The truck, trailer and shipping container rolled off the side of the road, resting between the highway and the railway tracks.

Conditions at the time were fine, sunny and still.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one person had been taken by ambulance to Hawke’s Bay Hospital in a serious condition.

A spokesperson for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the northbound lane of SH51 from Awatoto Rd would be closed for several hours.

A detour for motorists was in place along Te Awa Ave and right on to SH51/Ellison St, but southbound traffic was not disrupted, although about 150m of the wire, centreline barrier approaching the crash site was damaged.

A longtime resident, whose property backs on to the railway track and highway, said they had been familiar with crashes in the area over many years, but only a few since the installation of the wire barrier.

He said he heard a noise like a vehicle bouncing along the rumble strips and then the crash.

The NZTA said a full closure of SH51 was likely when the truck was recovered from the side of the road, and possibly for repairs to the median strip.

“Expect delays and take care,” motorists were warned.