Truck crashes in Bulls RSA, detour in place

Asbestos removal specialists were called in to clear the scene after a truck crashed into the Bulls RSA. Photo/ Stuart Munro

State Highway 1 through Bulls remains closed after a truck crashed into the RSA building at 8am.

The road is closed between Bridge Street and Criterion Street and a minor detour is in place.

Bulls fire chief Brian Carter said the southbound truck failed to take a bend before colliding with the RSA building, ripping of the frontage, as it drove along the curb.

The truck continued along High St before it jack-knifed and came to a stop at least 50m down the road opposite the library.

The two occupants of the vehicle were uninjured.

"They were extremely lucky," Mr Carter said.

No pedestrians were injured but there was one person in a parked car just metres from where the truck came to stop.

The verandah which was ripped off the RSA building by the truck contained asbestos and specialists were called in from Whanganui before the rest of the scene could be cleared.

The truck was carrying stationery and general goods which were strewn over the road.

The crash site is expected to be closed for some time so people are advised to plan ahead for travel in and through this area.

It is the second time in five years a truck has crashed into the Bulls RSA.

In July 2012 a driver died at the scene after missing the bend and slamming into the building.