Exploding cylinders closed State Highway 1 near Turangi, 50km south-west of Taupo, today after a truck rolled.
Police said the truck was carrying flammable liquids, including turpentine and CO2 cylinders. Some of the cylinders began exploding moments after the truck rolled about 10am today.
No one was hurtbut the main highway was closed at Turangi and Taupo and traffic was diverted through SH32 as emergency workers dealt with the fiery crash. It reopened at midday.
SH1 was also closed at Dome Valley near Warkworth, north of Auckland, after a three-car crash about 10.30am.
Traffic was diverted onto SH16 from Warkworth and Wellsford have been posted.
At least one person was badly hurt and was taken to hospital in a rescue helicopter.
Police said both crash sites were amongst the most difficult to manage for diversions because of the distance traffic had to be diverted.
