By 1news.co.nz
A chemical truck has caught on fire on Auckland’s Southern Motorway, forcing the evacuation of nearby properties.
Emergency services were called to the scene on the northbound shoulder of the Southern Motorway, just past the Papakura on-ramp, just before 3am, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson told 1News.
“The truck was carrying highly flammable gas in cannisters and these have exploded over all of the northbound lanes and into the bush on the side of the road,” a police spokesperson told 1News.
State Highway 1 is now closed between Papakura and Takanini on both northbound and southbound lanes, Waka Kotahi said on Twitter.
Around 15 homes on nearby Harbourside Dr have been evacuated as a precaution, police said.
Two fire trucks remain at the scene.
The fire has since been contained.
There are no reports of injuries.
“There is a significant amount of debris to clean up off the road and the fire is still burning out,” police said.
Diversions are in place but significant delays are expected.
Motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
