The rear trailer of a double-trailer unit tipped over as the northbound truck was making its way up the Essex St hill after crossing the bridge over the Clutha River shortly after 10am.
Senior Constable Jane Whitmore, of Balclutha, said the truck veered to the left, causing the rear trailer to tip and hit a power pole on the corner of Essex and Cromer Sts, cutting power to several homes.
The truck spilt part of its load, leaving Cromer St blocked off by a wall of scrap metal. Detours were put in place for motorists while contractors removed the scrap metal.
The truck was taking scrap from Invercargill to Christchurch, Snr Const Whitmore said.
The driver, a 50-year-old Mataura man, was uninjured, and no other vehicles were involved.
Snr Const Whitmore asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Balclutha police (03) 418-0203.
