State Highway 27 at Patetonga in the Waikato was closed this morning after a truck and trailer carrying paint and mineral turpentine crashed into powerlines causing a blackout and creating a fire hazard.
Police expected the road to be closed for most of the day and anticipated major delays as
traffic is diverted around the scene, Inspector Karen Wilson of the police northern communications centre said.
The driver was uninjured in the collision.
"Because of the contents spilled onto the road there does pose a possible hazard risk and a no entry cordon has been imposed in the immediate vicinity of the crash site," she said in a statement. "Police remain on site with fire staff."
The cargo was also causing concern for the surrounding environment and regional council Environment Waikato had been notified, Ms Wilson said.
Southbound traffic was being diverted into Otane Road from SH27 and northbound traffic was being diverted to SH26 and onto SH2 via Paeroa.
A spokeswoman for WEL Energy Trust said power had been cut to houses in the crash area but it was hoped electricity would be restored by 9am.
Meanwhile, State Highway 1 between Waikanae and Paraparaumu reopened this morning after being closed since just after midnight when a diesel truck rolled, spilling its loads.
- NZPA
