State Highway 1 reopens after petrol tanker fire on Kapiti Coast
Wednesday 9 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand, NZ Transport Agency
A petrol tanker's cab caught fire on the Peka Peka Expressway near Ōtaki around 5am on Wednesday. Emergency services responded with 19 vehicles to the scene, and while the fire caused major disruption, police reported no injuries. State Highway 1 has since been reopened.
Key facts
5 facts
- Petrol tanker fire occurred near Ōtaki on the Peka Peka Expressway around 5am
- The fire was contained to the cab and tractor unit
- 19 fire vehicles were deployed to the scene
- No injuries were reported by police
- State Highway 1 was closed between Waikanae and Ōtaki
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
State Highway 1 has reopened in both directions following a petrol tanker fire on the Peka Peka Expressway. The blaze occurred just south of the Ōtaki River around 5am on Wednesday. The fire was contained to the vehicle's cab and tractor unit, preventing the fuel from catching.
At the peak of the incident, 19 fire trucks, tankers, and specialist vehicles were at the scene or en route. Police reported there were no injuries. One witness observed the cab was completely engulfed in flames at approximately 5.10am and noted the driver appeared to be clear of the vehicle.
Local residents reported hearing loud booms during the incident. One resident, Sonia Hislop, heard three large booms that rattled cups in her kitchen. Another local, Liz Shlimon, initially thought she had heard a meteorite explosion.
The highway was previously closed between Waikanae and Ōtaki in both directions. NZTA Waka Kotahi provided detours through the Ōtaki township and Te Moana Road for motorists.
How it developed
- Wed 9 Sep, 6:36amThe report confirms that State Highway 1 has since reopened in both directions.
Where reports differ
- Reports vary on the number of fire crews initially sent, citing at least four or at least five.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, 1News and Stuff.