A power line was also downed on Blueskin Rd during the truck’s journey.
Caz Brigham decided to drive into Dunedin yesterday, but as she returned about 10.30am she discovered the road was blocked.
A large truck and trailer, operated by Mainfreight and heading to Christchurch, had "lost it" at the intersection with Reynoldstown Rd, Ms Brigham said.
"If I’d have been half-an-hour earlier, I’d have been hooning down at 60kmh or 70kmh ... I’d be a goner by now."
She was able to squeeze past by driving on the wrong side of the road.
Ms Brigham could not understand why the driver used Blueskin Rd because it was a windy route bordered by heavy vegetation in many parts.
The driver eventually freed the truck and was able to continue north, Ms Brigham said.
A police spokeswoman said officers responded after powerlines were knocked down in Blueskin Rd, which was reported about 11am.
An Aurora spokeswoman said a truck hit a power pole and one customer was affected, although there was no damage to the pole.
Mainfreight Dunedin branch manager Brodie Reid said an internal review with the driver involved was under way.
