The crash has closed SH8 near Lawrence. Image: NZTAState Highway 8 near Lawrence has reopened this morning after a truck and trailer rollover last night blocked the key southern route. Special fire appliances from Dunedin were dispatched to the scene where a truck and trailer carrying an excavator rolled and was leaking diesel. Crews from Lawrence, Waitahuna and Milton responded initially, and "a support vehicle" was sent from Dunedin with "some extra absorbent material" to help clean up the spills. A police spokeswoman said the excavator was down a bank, and the truck and trailer were partially blocking SH8, and the road is now closed between Clarks Flat Rd and Waitahuna West Rd.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 15, 2026 21:03 UTC