Crash blocks state highway

A milk tanker rolled on the intersection of State Highway 14, Maungatapere and Snooks Rd, blocking the road for several hours. Photo / Mikaela Collins

A milk tanker crash which took down power lines and left the driver trapped blocked a Northland highway for several hours.

The milk tanker rolled on the intersection of State Highway 14, Maungatapere and Snooks Rd, about 13km south-west of Whangarei, at 2.40pm yesterday.

Acting Senior Sergeant Stephanie Hudson said the crash took power lines down and left the driver trapped until it was confirmed the lines were inactive. Once it was clear they were not live, the driver was freed. Ms Hudson said he was not injured.

North and southbound traffic were diverted through Mangakahia Rd and Tatton Rd. At 5pm yesterday the road was still blocked and Ms Hudson said at the time it would remain blocked for at least another three hours.

All emergency services attended the scene.