One lane re-opened on SH1 near Kaikoura

UPDATE

Emergency services have re-opened one lane of SH1 south of Kaikoura as they clean up a sticky spill of formaldehyde.

About 10,000 litres of formaldehyde leaked from a truck on SH1 in the Hundalee Hills about 1 am.

The truck had earlier been involved in a minor accident with another truck. Police say a wing mirror may have punctured the chemical tank.

Police, Transit New Zealand staff, contractors, and firemen wearing breath apparatus are using sawdust and sand to soak up the spill.

This is the second major toxic spill on the State Highway south of Kaikoura in six weeks. In May tonnes of rat poison were spilled into the sea after another truck accident.

None of today's spill is expected to reach the ocean.

- CHRISTCHURCH STAR