Tons of molasses spills after truck's trailer rolls on State Highway 29, Lower Kaimai

About 30 tons of molasses has been spilled on SH29 after a truck's trailer rolled. Photo / George Novak

Molasses spilt in a truck crash on State Highway 29 yesterday entered the Omanawa River, it has been confirmed.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council said, via social media, about 11,000 litres of molasses was spilt after a truck's trailer rolled near the Belk Rd intersection. around 11.30am.

Approximately 11,000 litres of molasses spilled on SH29 near the Belk Road intersection today when a truck overturned...

Posted by Bay of Plenty Regional Council on Wednesday, August 18, 2021

"Our environmental first responder staff on-site confirmed some molasses discharged into the Omanawa River, which has since been contained and contractors are conducting a clean-up," the post said.

"Molasses is a thick syrup made from crushed sugar cane or sugar beets that is commonly used as a sweetener. If you find, see or smell pollution, please call our 24/7 Hotline on 0800 884 883."

This morning a police spokeswoman said they left the scene about 4pm but the road remained closed for some time after that.

The road has since reopened but NZTA is asking motorists to continue to take care in the area.

"Following an earlier truck crash between Belk Rd and Omanawa River Bridge, the road is slippery and SH29 has speed reductions of 30km posted in this area. Take extra care when travelling through."

EARLIER
An email from Tauranga City Council's Transport Operations Centre shortly after the crash said emergency services were on the scene between Omanawa and Belk Rds.

About 30 tons of molasses spilt on the road.

A truck carrying molasses has rolled on SH29. Photo / George Novak

Motorists were advised to delay travel, use alternate routes or expect significant delays.

SH289 was closed and diversions were in place on southbound Cambridge Rd to SH2 the Wairoa Rd to Poripori Rd and SH29, and northbound on Poripori Rd, Wairoa Rd to SH2 and Moffat Rd/Cambridge Rd to SH29.

UPDATE 1:45PM#SH29 remains closed between Belk Rd and Omanawa River Bridge as cleanup from the incident takes place. Follow the detour and expect delays. ^MF https://t.co/9aOdCFmNVg

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) August 19, 2021

Photos from the scene show the truck on its side, covering both lanes, and molasses spilled across the road.

A police spokeswoman confirmed they were responding to reports of an overturned truck and trailer on SH29.

"The truck is believed to have been carrying molasses, which has spilled out onto the road," she said.

"Traffic is reported to be building up in the area. No injuries have been reported."

A St John spokeswoman said one ambulance and one manager were sent to the scene of the crash.

Two people were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Emergency services are working to clear the scene. Photo / George Novak