Truck blocks SH8 after crash

Photo: Facebook

State Highway 8 is blocked near Tekapo after the trailer unit from a truck rolled on to its side this morning.

State Highway 8 is blocked near Tekapo after the trailer unit from a truck rolled on to its side this morning.

Police said they were called about 7:10am to reports of a single-vehicle crash on the highway near the intersection with Tekapo Canal Rd.

"No injuries were reported; however, the road does look to be completely blocked near the Tekapo Pukaki canal bridge."

Police said a heavy-vehicle tow truck had been called to the scene.

SH8 TEKAPO, CANTERBURY - CRASH - 7:30AM

Due to a truck roll, SH8 is BLOCKED in both directions at Tekapo Canal Rd. Consider delaying your journey if possible. We will provide an update as soon as more information becomes available. ^SG

pic.twitter.com/3qV1nbSNaT

— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc)

October 19, 2025

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi urged motorists to delay their journeys if possible.

A photograph posted on the Tekapo Community Facebook page shows a Mainfreight truck across both lanes of the highway bridge with the trailer on its side on the roadside barrier.

Commenters on the post have described very strong winds in the area, suggesting those were the likely cause of the accident. Police had no further details.

'Volatile' week of weather to come

MetService has warned of very strong winds for much of the South Island today, and continuing for most of the week.

- Allied Media