The kiwifruit appeared to be the green or gold variety. The more niche red kiwifruit are also grown in the region.
“While the scene was messy, there was good news – no injuries were reported,” Betchetti said.
He said motorists were patient while crews worked to clear the scene, and a loader was called in to remove the fruit and damaged crates from the road.
“Once the kiwifruit was cleared, the road was swept to ensure it was safe for traffic. State Highway 2 has since been reopened,” Betchetti said.
Kiwifruit scattered across a busy Western Bay of Plenty road after a truck’s trailer tipped onto its side. Photo / Claire Rogers
Witness Claire Rogers said she saw the tipped-over trailer and bins of kiwifruit.
“Many police cars attended the scene, directing traffic. The truck didn’t appear to have tipped over, just the trailer,” Rogers said.
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