State Highway One between Taupō and Tūrangi was closed after the accident. Photo: Google Maps/Supplied
State Highway One in Taupō has reopened after a truck crashed into Lake Taupō.
The road between Taupō and Tūrangi was closed after the accident near Bulli Point at about 4.30am on Sunday.
Waka Kotahi said following vehicle recovery and spill clean-up the road reopened at 10.35am on Monday.
Taupō District Council chief executive Gareth Green said the council had repeatedly raised the risk of a large vehicle crashing into the lake with the transport agency.
Taupō District Council chief executive Gareth Green. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McRae
"State Highway One passes very close to the lake at several points between Motutere Bay and Halletts Bay and the road is narrow and winding, increasing the risk," Green said.
"Our council has been warning for years that if a large vehicle carrying hazardous goods went off the highway and into the lake, it could be a major environmental disaster."
In 2002, a logging truck lost a load of logs into the lake at Te Toke Point, 24km south of Taupō. Green said.
Meanwhile in 2009, a truck and trailer unit carrying food plunged 25m into the lake, killing the driver.
In this latest truck incident, one person was sent to hospital with moderate injuries.
