Truck crash leaves palm kernel strewn across SH1

HEAVY HAUL: A tow truck and crane was used to help right a truck and trailer unit that crashed on Smeaton Hill.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Stock food spilled across a major Northland road after a 50-tonne truck and trailer unit rolled.

The crash south of Whangarei blocked southbound lanes on State Highway 1, near Smeaton Hill, about 1am yesterday.

Northland police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said the driver lost control of the northbound truck on the northern side of the hill, just south of Whangarei, and it went into a ditch.

The vehicle had travelled for about 100 metres before spinning out and rolling and crossing the southbound passing lanes.

The truck was carrying palm kernel, which had spilled across the road.

The driver was not injured.

Mrs Kennett said emergency services attended the crash.

Southbound cars were diverted on to Portland Rd, through the Portland village and on to SH1, while the northbound lane remained open. The palm kernel was cleaned up and the truck and trailer were lifted by crane about 10am and one of the southbound lanes was opened. A heavy haulage vehicle was called in to remove the truck and trailer from the road.