Police said the driver of a truck that crashed down a bank was extremely lucky to avoid serious injury.
The crash happened around 5.30am on State Highway 1, north of Ashley River in North Canterbury.
Police said the truck and trailer was travelling south when it is believed to have veered across the road and rolled down the bank, becoming entangled in vegetation.
A northbound vehicle narrowly avoided a head-on collision with the truck.
The male driver was freed from the vehicle by the Fire Service just before 9am. He was taken to Christchurch Hospital by rescue helicopter with minor to moderate injuries.
