Truck carrying chemicals crashes in Waikato - SH27 blocked

The scene of the truck crash on State Highway 27 in Ngarua this morning. Photo / Graham McGurk

A truck carrying what is believed to be chemicals has lost its load after rolling on a state highway in the Waikato early this morning.

Emergency services are at the scene after reports of a crash on State Highway 27 in Ngarua, in the Matamata-Piako district, at 5.01am.

The section between Maungākawa Rd and Kereone Rd is closed and people are told to use alternative roads.

Three fire trucks were at the scene and crews worked to free the driver, who remained trapped about an hour later.

SH27 NGARUA (EAST OF MORRINSVILLE) - CRASH – 6:15AM
Due to a truck crash a section of #SH27 is CLOSED between Maungakawa Rd and Kereone Rd in Ngarua. Follow the detour route and allow additional time for your journey. More here: https://t.co/5mhEqu0cN7. ^MF pic.twitter.com/kd7K8Fk45g

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) December 2, 2020

By 6.30am, police confirmed the driver had been removed and was being taken to hospital in a serious condition.

A northern fire communications spokeswoman said the truck had lost its entire load and acknowledged it was not known when the road would be open again.

The truck was carrying chemicals which covered the road. Photo / Graham McGurk

"The road is completely blocked," she said.

Asked what the truck was carrying, she said they believed it to be chemicals and staff are also working to figure out whether the scene is safe.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advised motorists in the area to expect delays as emergency services work to clear the road.

Several serious crashes this morning

The crash is one of several that have been reported early this morning.

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a two-vehicle collision on SH29A in Pōike, Tauranga.

"Three people are reported to have sustained moderate to serious injuries," a statement said.

The Serious Crash Unit is also at the scene and motorists can expect diversions at Pōike Rd and Welcome Bay Rd.

In another crash, on SH57 near Linton in Palmerston North, a person has suffered serious injuries in a crash involving a truck and two cars.

The collision happened at 7.50am, police said.

Again, people in the area are advised to delay travel times or to take alternative routes where possible.