UPDATED: Truck driver freed, SH29 crash

A truck and a ute have collided on State Highway 29 near Rapurapu Road on the Matamata side of the Kaimai Ranges this afternoon. Photos: Emma Campbell

UPDATED 2.50PM: The truck driver involved in a two-vehicle crash with a ute on State Highway 29 near the Kaimai summit has now been freed from their vehicle.

But fire crews are now working to establish whether or not the truck had been transporting dangerous goods at the time as it appears to have leaked a small amount of liquid, says Northern Fire Communications shift manager Scott Osmond.

'The truck driver was trapped inside his vehicle for a while but he's since been extricated by the Matamata crew who used their rescue equipment to free him. I believe he's in a moderate condition.

'We still have crews at the scene, including Greerton's hazmat unit, and we're currently ascertaining whether there were any hazardous goods on the truck that need our attention or not.”

Speaking to SunLive a police spokesman says they were notified of the crash, which occurred on the Matamata side of the Kaimai Ranges near Rapurapu Road, at about 1.20pm.

'It appears at this stage that the truck has gone onto its side and then hit the ute. There was a person trapped for a period but it now appears they're now out of their vehicle.

'State Highway 29 is still open but one lane is blocked. Officers are moving traffic past the scene so it might be a little bit slow but the road is still open.”

EARLIER:

A person has suffered head injuries after their ute collided with a truck on State Highway 29 this afternoon.

The driver of the truck is also currently trapped in their vehicle following the crash which occurred near Rapurapu Road on the Matamata side of the Kaimai Ranges shortly before 1.30pm.

'Emergency services are currently attending a vehicle accident on SH29 Kaimais,” says Waikato Police in a post to Facebook.

'A car v truck on the Kaimais on our side has resulted in the truck on it's side. If you are heading over that way take care and expect some delay going over the hill.”

EARLIER:

A person is believed to be trapped in an overturned truck following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 29.

A witness at the scene says a truck has which ended up on its side after colliding with a ute near Rapurapu Road on the Matamata side of the Kaimai Ranges shortly before 1.30pm.

At this stage it is unknown if anyone involved in the crash has been injured.

The New Zealand Transport Agency advises motorists to expect delays or avoid the area where possible as left lane of the eastbound lane is currently blocked.

SunLive will update this story once more information is available.

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2 comments

Should

Posted on 25-10-2016 17:18 | By Capt_Kaveman

Run a competition with the posts having numbers and in a calendar year which numbers (posts) get taken out and how many times


here we go again

Posted on 25-10-2016 19:32 | By old trucker

Another one, GOLLY GOSH, hope the truck will be OK,Tuppennies worth,Thankyou No1.


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