The scene of a truck crash on SH36 this morning. PHOTO BEN FRASER
Tauranga Direct Rd (SH36) has reopened, after a truck crash closed the highway for several hours earlier today.
The truck overturned on the main highway near the intersection of Kaharoa and Stewart Rds about 10am.
A tow truck and crane were called to help free the trapped driver, a Tauranga 54-year-old, after the crash. However the fire service were able to cut him from the cab.
He was taken to Rotorua Hospital with minor injuries.
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Rotorua police Sergeant Chris McLeod said the truck had been blocking both lanes.
"We [were] waiting on a tow truck with a crane from Rotorua to tow the cab away from the bank so to be able to cut him free.
"We're talking to the driver and he is as comfortable as can be in this situation," he said earlier.
Mr McLeod said the truck and trailer unit was carrying one container which held non-dangerous goods.
"It was travelling north, coming around the corner when, for whatever reason, it crossed the centre line and tipped on its side."
The road was closed until about 2pm, with diversions in place at Jackson Rd and at Kaharoa Rd.
Fire and Emergency investigators believe the house fire was caused by fireworks.
