UPDATED: 5.25pm. The upturned caravan blocking SH2A east of Youngson Road was cleared just after 5pm say police. Both lanes are open.
Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager, Senior Sergeant Ian Campion says traffic is currently back up around 2km from Barrett Road.
He says the driver is assisting police with their inquiries.
A witness at the scene says the driver was speeding and the caravan was wobbling shortly before the caravan overturned.
Earlier: A caravan has flipped onto its roof and is lying in middle of the road on State Highway 2 near Whakamarama this afternoon.
Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion says the overturned caravan is currently blocking two lanes of SH2 between Barret and Youngson roads.
The crash is believed to have occurred shortly before 3pm.
'Police staff are currently making their way to the scene and my understanding is traffic is beginning to back up.”
Ian is asking motorists to either delay traveling through the area, or use the permanent diversion which is in place via Barret, Old Highway and Youngson roads.
At this stage it is not known if anyone sustained injured as a result of the crash.
SunLive will update this story once more information is available.
Are you at the scene and know more?
Call 0800 SUNLIVE or email photos to: newsroom@thesun.co.nz
5 comments
Throw the book at the prat!
Posted on 19-10-2016 16:49 | By The Hobbit
I hope the Police throw the book at this prat if he was indeed speeding. He or she has caused mayhem and misery for hundreds of drivers trying to get home after a hard days graft. Big big fine and lots of demerits is in order here. I bet it was a kiwi driver too.
Empty head
Posted on 19-10-2016 20:47 | By maildrop
Hey, drive like you're not towing a big box on two little wheels. Did the outcome come as a shock?
Point the finger at authorities first, then the driver
Posted on 20-10-2016 08:34 | By Murray.Guy
We have NO knowledge of why the van rolled. May have been a blowout, suspension failure, driver speed, health event. What we DO know is that driver licencing in NZ is a recipe for disaster while authorities refuse to establish and require purpose built off road driver training facilities, that can include basic trailer towing, all weather replicate and vehicle types. As it is, a driver can be licenced in a low traffic volume 50kph zone in a small automatic, and immediately get behind the wheel of any car, any size, tow a trailer, in any speed zone anywhere! NUTS. Baypark represents an excellent self funding venue for the establishment of a driver training facility. Over two hours for authorities to clear a state highway of a caravan, seemingly unable to open one lane? Urgent reprioritisation is required in addressing these incidents!
Safety First
Posted on 20-10-2016 12:02 | By Road Ranger
How about the Road Policing Manager also take a look at the TEL speedsters !! Every morning and afternoon car and trucks are travelling well above the posted speed limits. Yesterday besides 3 vehicles racinge between Baypark and Papamoa there was a green Nissan Patrol towing a green 2-axle horse float (rego numbers recorded) doing approx. 120kmph, tailgating, no indicating and nearly colliding with Traffic Management truck display large arrow to move to right lane. Come on Ian safety comes first. No "lack-of -resources" excuses for these idiots especially with long weekend approaching.
Get off the grass Murray
Posted on 20-10-2016 12:10 | By The Sage
Now we all know this is a notorious piece of road yet people still take ridiculous risks. I have followed caravans going too fast and swaying dangerously plus people still pass on double yellow lines. It is all about driver responsibility, which is sadly lacking, in many cases. Because of the number of accidents on this road, do you expect the authorities to set up camp here? They were probably busy dealing with one of the many accidents that occur on a daily basis.
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