Transmission Gully traffic diverted after van and trailer catch fire

Emergency services have been working to put out a vehicle “engulfed in flames” on Wellington’s Transmission Gully this morning.

A passing motorist, who gave his name as Tony, said he was driving south over the Wainui Saddle portion of the major highway when he saw the vehicle on the side of the road fully alight.

The blaze was “incredibly hot” he said, noting “as we drove past we could just feel the heat”.

He said the vehicle, which appears to be a van towing a trailer, was “engulfed in flames” and sending out “clouds and clouds of smoke”.

“It was insane, really,” he said.

A van and trailer can be seen ablaze on Transmission Gully.

A police spokeswoman said they were alerted to the fire about 10.10am, just north of the Wainui Summit.

The vehicle was burning in the southbound lane of the highway and traffic was still able to pass, but both southbound lanes were later closed.

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said on social media as of 10.25am traffic was being diverted at SH59 Paekākāriki.

“Expect delays and allow additional time for travel,” NZTA said.

“SH1 Transmission Gully remains open to northbound traffic, with reduced visibility present due to a car fire approaching Paekākāriki.”

Melissa Nightingale is a Wellington-based reporter who covers crime, justice and news in the capital. She joined the Herald in 2016 and has worked as a journalist for 12 years.