Petrol tanker fire closes SH1 near Ōtaki, Kāpiti Coast
A petrol tanker caught fire on the Kāpiti Expressway in New Zealand, leading to the closure of State Highway 1 northbound. Emergency services contained the blaze to the vehicle's cab, and no injuries were reported.
Why it matters
The incident caused significant traffic disruption on a major transit route and highlights the risks associated with hazardous material transport.
A petrol tanker engulfed by flames on the Peka Peka Expressway south of Ōtaki this morning.
A petrol tanker has caught fire on the Kāpiti Expressway, closing a section of State Highway 1 headed north.
Nineteen fire trucks, tankers and specialist vehicles were sent to the incident south of the Kāpiti Coast town of Ōtaki just after 5am .
The road is closed to northbound traffic between Waikanae and Ōtaki, but open to southbound vehicles.
Videos show part of the fuel tanker on fire, while a social media commenter said the truck’s cab was an “inferno” when they passed it at 5.10am.
No injuries had been reported, police said.
Bruce Stubbs, Fire and Emergency New Zealand assistant national commander, said firefighters contained the fire to the vehicle’s cab and tractor unit.
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