The breakdown of a truck hauling dangerous chemicals has led to SH29 through the Kaimai Range being shut down during a storm. (File photo). Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
State Highway 29 has reopened after an earlier closure due to stormy weather causing a reaction with a dangerous chemical being carted across the Kaimai Range.
A truck was hauling the hazardous load on the highway, between Waikato and Bay of Plenty, when it broke down just before 10am on Friday, police said.
Storms, heavy rain and strong wind swept through through the top half of the North Island on Friday, with surface flooding and traffic warnings in many places.
"The truck is understood to contain chlorine, which is reacting due to the inclement weather," police said in a statement.
Chlorine kernels could pop if they got wet, which was causing problems in the storm, a police spokesperson said.
Fire and Emergency said it sent three firetrucks and one hazardous materials unit to respond to neutralise the chemical.
Drivers were asked to stay away from the area.
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