Crashed Truck Was Carrying Hazardous Materials

A multi agency team has responded to the crash of a truck carrying hazardous materials on the Desert Road.

The New Zealand Fire Service Assistant Area Commander Nigel Richards said it has now been confirmed that the truck was not carrying any radio- active materials, despite the warning sign that was displayed.

The truck and trailer unit was carrying over 45 tonnes of general cargo as well as three 50kg containers of swimming pool cleaner and twelve, 1200ml containers of another potentially harmful chemical.

“We believe the small containers are still on dry land however the three containers of swimming pool cleaner have fallen into the Waihohonu Stream, along with some of the other goods that were on board. The three containers of pool cleaner appear to be intact and all the debris from the crash that has gone into the stream seems to have been stopped from going any further by the intake barrier at the Rangipo inlet.”

Environment Waikato staff, contractors and Police are at the scene.

The Fire Service has provided its hazmat/command unit to help with the Police operation. Police Incident Commander Sergeant Murray Hamilton said the Desert Road is likely to be closed for several hours, while the debris is cleared up. A search is still underway in the area for the driver of the truck.

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