A major traffic disruption was reported on New Zealand’s Kapiti Coast after a petrol tanker caught fire on the State Highway 1 route near Peka Peka.

The incident happened early Wednesday morning, with the truck’s cab reportedly catching fire on the Peka Peka Expressway, south of the Ōtaki River.

Emergency services responded to the scene as authorities worked to manage the situation and protect motorists travelling through the area.

The fire led to significant disruption on the highway, with drivers being advised to avoid the affected section and use alternative routes where possible.

Authorities began dealing with the incident shortly after the fire was reported. The circumstances that led to the tanker catching fire were not immediately clear.

Traffic management measures were put in place while emergency crews worked at the scene. Motorists in the surrounding area were warned to expect delays as the highway was affected by the emergency response.

Officials are continuing to assess the situation and determine the cause of the fire.

The incident highlights the potential traffic and safety risks created when heavy commercial vehicles carrying fuel are involved in roadside emergencies.