VOCM News: SH1 Closed Near Ashburton After Serious Truck Crash
If you're planning to head across the Canterbury plains this weekend, you might want to give your route a rethink. State Highway 1 is still closed this morning near Ashburton after a massive truck and trailer jackknifed yesterday afternoon, blocking both southbound lanes. The team at VOCM has been following this story since the first call came through, and we're keeping listeners updated around the clock on 590 VOCM - Christchurch and our sister stations VOCM-FM and CKVO.
The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. Friday when the rig—fully loaded with timber—lost control on a patch of black ice just south of the Ashburton overpass. Witnesses say the trailer fishtailed, then folded in on itself like a concertina, completely blocking traffic in both directions. Emergency crews from the NZ Police and local fire brigades spent the night at the scene, but with the truck's fuel tank ruptured and cleanup crews waiting for daylight, the highway isn't expected to reopen until late this afternoon at the earliest.
Detours and Delays
For anyone heading south towards Timaru or Dunedin, you're looking at a major detour. Authorities have set up a diversion along Inland Road 72, but that's adding at least an hour to most trips. I chatted with a few folks stuck in the queue near the Rakaia turn-off yesterday—some had been sitting for six hours without moving. One driver, Jamie Budden, sent us the photo you see above. "It's an absolute mess out here, mate," he told us. "I've never seen a truck that size completely sideways like that."
Here's what you need to know if you're heading that way today:
- Highway closure: State Highway 1 (SH1) is closed from the Ashburton exit to the Winchmore turn-off.
- Detour: Use Inland Road 72 (Old Main South Road) for local traffic; long-haul trucks are advised to wait it out or park at designated truck stops.
- Weather: More flurries are expected Sunday—our VOCM weather specialist warns that the Canterbury Plains could see another 10cm by Monday morning.
Community Support and How to Help
What really warms your heart at times like this is how quickly neighbours pitch in. The VOCM Cares Foundation has already reached out to the Salvation Army and local food banks in the area to make sure any stranded drivers get a hot meal and a warm place to crash if needed. We'll have more details on how you can donate or volunteer later today on 590 VOCM - Christchurch.
And for those of you stuck at home wondering about road conditions, keep it locked on VOCM-FM and CKVO. We're doing live interviews with Police traffic officers and NZTA crews every half-hour. If you're heading out, give yourself extra time and chuck a blanket and some snacks in the car—just in case.
We'll keep you posted online and on air as this develops. Stay safe out there, mate.