Tanker carrying blood crashes in Manawatu Gorge

Police believed the tanker had not been ruptured and he was not sure what kind of blood was being carried. Photo / File

A tanker carrying blood has crashed in the Manawatu Gorge, causing the road to be closed.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 8.15pm, and found the tanker had gone through a crash barrier.

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"The nose of the truck is pointing down towards the river," Inspector Ken Climo of police communications said.

He believed the tanker had not been ruptured and he was not sure what kind of blood was being carried.

The driver is uninjured and is out of the cab.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is at the scene, and recovery of the truck by tractor is being organised.

Inspector Climo said driving conditions were bad in the central North Island and motorists were urged to stay at home.

"If you've got accommodation, or you don't need to be on the road, then stay put."

Conditions for driving in the area are poor and risky, with snow falling and icy roads developing, he said.

"It is still early evening and conditions are not expected to improve over night."

Police are advising motorists in the area to check the NZTA website before travelling in the morning as conditions are constantly changing and some roads may remain closed.