Nitrogen Tanker crashes into river

A truck carrying liquid nitrogen has plunged into the Awakino River just south of the Awakino Gorge tunnel in Taranaki.

The truck driver has been found, the driver is understood to have clambered out of the river uninjured.

Emergency services from Pio Pio, Mokau and New Plymouth were heading to the scene and were being advised to stay clear of the truck until it was safe just after 8am when the crash occured. 

The Awakino River is one of the North Island's premier whitebaiting venues

Police central communications Inspector Chris Tait said it was unknown whether the tank was leaking at this stage.

The tanker is carrying liquid nitrogen not LPG as previously reported.