Major traffic delays on State Highway 1 south of Levin resulted after a truck crashed on December 22 trying to avoid a car which crossed the centre line, the Timaru-based transport company involved says.
The driver of the new Kenworth Curtainsider travelling south through Kuku (south of Levin, north of Otaki) was not seriously injured in the crash after the truck went over a bank and crashed into a cemetery, Hilton Haulage people and safety general manager Alle McGrath says in a Facebook post.
One of Hilton Haulage’s trucks.
A fatality had occurred in another vehicle following a suspected medical event, McGrath says, adding the truck driver had been put on a flight home.
McGrath thanks Emmerson Transport for assisting, and the Facebook post received many messages of support.
The road reopened after the 2pm crash at about 5.30pm under traffic management and a reduced speed limit, but closed again at 10pm so the truck could be removed, Stuff reports.
The NZ Transport Agency warned no viable detours were available and that people should avoid travelling in the area if possible.
St John Ambulance said six people were treated for minor injuries and one for moderate injuries, Stuff adds.
