Key Takeaways
- A delivery van carrying beer and RTDs rolled over in Whangārei, spilling its cargo and causing major traffic delays
- The single-vehicle crash occurred on Riverside Dr near the intersection with Old Onerahi Rd at 11:37am
- No serious injuries were reported, but the driver’s neck seemed sore after being buried under boxes of liquor
- Dozens of boxes burst open, sending hundreds of bottles and cans across the road, with brands including Lion Red, Speight’s Summit Ultra, Heineken, Steinlager, and Hyoketsu
- Contractors were called to clear the scene, and the vehicle has since been uplifted
Introduction to the Incident
A delivery van packed with beer and RTDs rolled over on its side in Whangārei, causing a significant disturbance on the road. The incident occurred on Riverside Dr near the intersection with Old Onerahi Rd at 11:37am, resulting in major traffic delays. According to police, the single-vehicle crash was reported, and contractors have been called to clear the scene. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, although the driver’s neck seemed sore after being buried under boxes of liquor.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
The van ended up on its side, blocking both lanes and backing up traffic heavily. Dozens of boxes burst open on impact, sending hundreds of bottles and cans skittering across the road. Among the brands scattered across the asphalt were Lion Red, Speight’s Summit Ultra, Heineken, Steinlager, and Hyoketsu. Kia Hawes, a witness to the crash, described the scene, stating that the van wasn’t speeding and that the back wheels started sliding before it flipped on its side. Her husband, who saw the crash in his rear-view mirror, rushed to help the driver, holding the door of the van open so someone could climb in and remove the boxes of liquor that the man was buried under.
Witness Accounts and Response
Hawes said bystanders helped clear broken bottles from the road, and the driver, who was delivering liquor for Super Liquor, seemed uninjured but had a sore neck. Another local told 1News that the scene reeked of beer and that the driver seemed fine, walking about soon afterwards. The community has been trying for years to get the speed limit on the stretch of road reduced, according to the local. Police said delays were expected until contractors finished clearing the remaining debris. The vehicle has since been uplifted, and the road is being cleaned.
Road Conditions and Community Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the area. The community has been advocating for a reduced speed limit on the stretch of road where the crash occurred. The local who spoke to 1News mentioned that traffic was "backed up heavily" and that the community has been trying to get the speed limit reduced for years. The crash has highlighted the need for improved road safety measures, including reduced speed limits, to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts
The delivery van crash in Whangārei has caused significant disruptions to traffic, and efforts are ongoing to clear the remaining debris. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and the driver is receiving medical attention. The incident has highlighted the importance of road safety and the need for community advocacy to push for improved safety measures. As the community continues to work towards reducing the speed limit on the stretch of road, it is essential to prioritize road safety to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.