A truck carrying plastic containers of milk overturned on State Highway 1 just north of Palmerston late on Thursday night, blocking the road for about 8 hours.
The curtain-sided truck-and-trailer unit was heading south from Christchurch when it crashed shortly before 11pm, just past Walsh Rd, south of Shag Point.
Police from Hampden and Waikouaiti, along with a tanker and rescue unit from the Palmerston Fire Brigade, were at the crash site to control traffic and clear the road. Traffic was diverted along Walsh Rd until the highway was reopened.
The driver of the truck was taken to Oamaru Hospital with minor cuts and bruising. He was treated and discharged.
Oamaru police sergeant Wayne Brew said yesterday the cause of the crash was still being investigated by the commercial vehicle investigation unit.
Palmerston deputy chief fire officer Kelvin Clearwater said only a few containers were punctured in the crash, spilling a small amount of milk.
