A helicopter from Christchurch has been called in to clear a large rockslide that has closed State Highway 73 through Arthurs Pass between Christchurch and the West Coast.
Shingle and boulders, up to a metre in size, have come down off the cliffs in Otira Gorge and over rock shelter on to the road.
A truck driver was caught out when the rock slide hit on Monday and forced to stop inside the purpose-built rock shelter. The driver was rescued and the truck and trailer remain inside the shelter.
![A truck is trapped inside the rock shelter in the Otira Gorge on State Highway 73 as a rockfall comes down. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CGRRRGCI577D5ORXMAV34XHCH4.jpg?auth=849ed461a87e0b72b703da54c02410146727070875cff93d659ed0db9e5ad610&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)