Calf Truck Crash Closes Busy Waikato Rural Road

Waikato Police are advising against all but essential travel between Te Awamutu, Arapuni and Putaruru following a serious crash that has blocked the main road between these towns which is expected to take several hours to clear.

Shift Manager, Senior Sergeant Andrew O’Reilly, said emergency services were called to the scene of the crash on Arapuni Rd near Pukeatua about 7.35am.

“Initial reports describe a truck and trailer unit carrying 160 weaner calves has rolled and has ended up on its side, straddling the road.

“Heavy salvage equipment has been called in from Hamilton and estimates suggest the road will be closed until about midday.

The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries and was attended to by responding ambulance crews.”

Mr O’Reilly said a vet had been called in to administer to the stricken animals.

“At this time diversions are in place at the intersection of Arapuni and Bulmer Roads on to Rotongata and then Waimanu Roads.

“Given these are rural roads, those people who need to travel between Te Awamutu and Putaruru today are asked to moderate their driving accordingly.”