SH39 claims another load

TRUCK STOP: BOC’s rolled tanker trailer lies in a paddock off Ormsby Road, slowly leaking CO2 gas after yesterday morning’s crash. The line-up of trucks waiting for the road to open highlights the high density of heavy traffic that uses this popular back route. 073061AD

By Dean Taylor

The infamous State Highway 39 (Ormsby Road) between Pirongia township and the Ngutunui turnoff has claimed another victim, although this time only pride was hurt.

The driver of a BOC tanker heading north reports his articulated trailer unit sheared from the truck and rolled into a paddock just south of the Mangati Road intersection at about 8.30am.

The driver was able to stop safely and park in Mangati Road.

Firefighters from Pirongia and Te Awamutu, police and the Hazardous Substances Unit attended as CO2 gas leaked from the wreckage. The road was closed for some time as the result of the crash, although no danger emanated and the gas was eventually pumped from the tank.