The NZ Transport Agency closed State Highway 1 at Edendale shortly after 2.30 pm today as emergency services responded to an explosion at the Fonterra Edendale factory.

• The detour route for light vehicles is Hilda and Homestead Roads.
• There is no suitable local detour for heavy vehicles, which will be queued if they reach Edendale. If possible drivers of heavy vehicles should detour via State Highways 6 (north of Invercargill) and 96, through Winton.  Southbound truck drivers should turn off at State Highway 96, south of Mataura, and avoid Edendale,.

The Transport Agency asks all drivers to slow down on these roads and take care in the area until the highway can be reopened.