State Highway 1 has reopened after being blocked this afternoon north of Kaitāia after a milk delivery truck rolled, scattering a large quantity of milk, cream and cheese across the road.
The crash occurred about 12.40pm at Waipapakauri, 15km northof Kaitāia.
The road was closed for several hours before opening again about 4pm.
Kaitāia deputy fire chief Ross Beddows said it was not clear what had caused the truck to roll on a fairly straight section of highway near the junction with West Coast Rd.
The truck came to rest on its side, blocking the northbound lane, with the impact splitting the roof open and catapulting dairy products across the highway.
“It’s a hell of a mess. There’s milk, cream and cheese lying around. We’ve saved what we can but it’s a warm day.”
State Highway 1 was blocked north of Kaitāia after a milk delivery truck rolled on Friday.
Beddows said it was fortunate the driver suffered only minor injuries.
Police said one person died after a single-vehicle crash overnight on State Highway 69 at Inangahua, in the Buller District. Motorists were asked to avoid the area.
Elsewhere, one person died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash about 10km east of Russell, and another person from the crash was taken to Whangārei Hospital and remained in a serious condition.
Police said the collision happened shortly after 11.30am on Friday, Russell Whakapara Rd was closed between Waikare Rd and De Nora Dr, but one lane had reopened. However, drivers were asked to avoid the area.
A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said two ambulances, one rapid response unit and one manager had responded.
State Highway 3 in Waikato was closed after a multi-vehicle crash shortly after 12.30pm on Friday, at Piopio near Waitomo.
Motorists were asked to avoid the area and told to expect delays. Diversions were in place from Aria Rd through to Totoro Rd.
