Three people have been killed and three others seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash that closed State Highway 1 south of Auckland this afternoon.
All lanes on the motorway are blocked around Bombay, with the closures expected to extend overnight due to “significant damage” to the median barrier system.
Emergency services were first called to the crash near Ramarama at around 1.47pm.
Footage captured by 1News at the accident scene shows multiple vehicles involved, including a truck, a van, and at least two cars.
Snapped wires that made up the median barrier can be seen lying across the motorway and strung below the front wheels of the truck.
Police said the crash near Ramarama was reported at around 1.47pm, with early indications suggesting multiple people critically injured. (Source: 1News)
Police earlier told 1News that initial indications appeared that a southbound vehicle crossed the centre barrier and collided with three northbound vehicles.
“The three deceased were travelling in the same vehicle,” said Counties Manukau Road Policing manager Inspector Tony Wakelin.
“This many fatalities at once is shocking and our thoughts go out to all those affected.
“Incidents like this are hard on everyone involved and we are making sure there is support in place for those involved, their families, and our staff who have attended the scene.”
NZTA Waka Kotahi said crews would work on the motorway overnight.
“SH1 between Bombay and Ramarama will likely remain closed overnight while a temporary steel barrier is put in place,” an NZTA spokesperson said.
“It is expected all lanes will be reopened by 5am tomorrow morning.”
Motorists heading south are being diverted at Ararimu Rd and northbound motorists are being diverted at Mill Rd. Police said the serious crash unit is in attendance.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 105.
Six injured taken to hospital – St John
St John said five ambulances, three rapid response vehicles and two operations managers have responded to the incident. The ambulance service said it had treated eight patients, with six of them taken to Auckland and Middlemore Hospitals.
Fire and Emergency NZ have deployed five units to the scene.
“We are currently assisting police and St Johns,” a spokesperson said.
An Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter spokesperson said crews were tasked to assist multiple patients involved in the crash.
“Transportation to hospital by helicopter was not required and crew returned to base.
“Our [rapid response vehicle] is currently still at the scene.”
Google Maps data showed traffic backed up for several kilometres in both directions on SH1.
