Police say it is "by good fortune only" that a driver - suspected to be under the influence of a substance - did not seriously injure or kill someone when his van and trailer jackknifed in rural Auckland overnight.
Officers responded to a report of a crash on Runciman Rd at around 12.43am on Monday.
Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes said a Mitsubishi van and trailer had jack-knifed and completely blocked the road.
"When units attended the driver was asleep at the driver’s wheel, and it was suspected he was under the influence of a substance."
Methamphetamine and other substances were allegedly located in the van, police said.
Hoyes said the man was going to be taken to Pukekohe Police Station for a compulsory impairment test (CIT) but was taken to hospital to be assessed after becoming "increasingly incoherent".
"Police have since charged the 55-year-old man with driving and drugs offences after this morning’s crash."
Hoyes said the incident "could have been worse" and that someone could have been seriously or fatally injured as a result of the crash.
"The man’s actions were reckless, and people need to realise that driving under the influence puts lives at risk."
The 55-year-old man was expected to appear in the Pukekohe District Court today charged with careless driving, possession of a precursor substance with intent, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a class A substance.
He was also charged with refusing to supply blood.
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