A delivery van overturned in Whangārei this morning, spilling beer and ready-to-drink beverages across Riverside Dr and causing significant traffic delays. The single-vehicle crash was reported at 11:37 a.m. near the intersection with Old Onerahi Rd.
Van Rollover Disrupts Traffic in Whangārei
Police responded to the incident where the van ended up on its side, blocking both lanes of traffic. Contractors were called to the scene and have since uprighted the vehicle, but delays were expected to continue while debris was cleared.
Dozens of boxes broke open upon impact, scattering hundreds of bottles and cans across the road. Brands included Lion Red, Speight’s Summit Ultra, Heineken, Steinlager, and Hyoketsu.
Witness Kia Hawes stated the van was not speeding when the crash occurred. “The back wheels of the van started sliding and then it flipped on its side. It wasn’t speeding or anything as it went past us just before it happened,” she told 1News.
Hawes’ husband assisted the driver, helping to remove boxes of liquor the driver was trapped under. The driver appeared uninjured, though his neck was sore, according to Hawes.
Bystanders also helped clear broken bottles from the roadway. Another local resident reported the scene smelled strongly of beer.
The driver, identified as a Super Liquor employee by a witness, was reportedly walking around shortly after the crash. The community has previously called for a reduction in the speed limit on that stretch of road.
Police stated that traffic delays were expected to continue until all remaining debris was removed from the scene.
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