The NZ Transport Agency warned of signifcant delays after a head-on collision involving a fleeing driver in a stolen car on Auckland's southern motorway.
A "serious crash" on Thursday at 10:05am left four injured and caused all southbound lanes near the Highbrook Dr off-ramp to be blocked for two hours.
A statement from NZTA said that the lanes were closed due to a "head-on collision involving a fleeing driver". The motorway also closed at the Princes St on-ramp.
"Motorists are advised to leave the motorway at Princes Street, turn right on Frank Grey Place, right onto Princes St, left at Atkinson St to Great South Rd, left on to East Tamaki Rd, right on to SH1."
Police released a statement saying one of the vehicles was stolen and being monitored at a distance by the Police Eagle helicopter when it crashed into a member of the public head-on.
Police vehicles were not pursuing the car at the time.
At 12:30pm, the NZTA said traffic was moving again with the lanes open as well as the Princes St on-ramp.
Of the four injured, two are in a moderate condition and have been taken to Middlemore and Auckland Hospital. Two are in a minor condition.
Witness Mark Van Boxel spoke to Newshub about the carnage.
"I was heading north and just coming up to the Highbrook off-ramp and I noticed a car came onto the motorway with speed heading north in the southbound lanes."
"It had a massive head-on with another car going south. Both cars disintegrated."
Van Boxel said he saw an individual come from the "offending vehicle" clutching his arm, while someone from the car that was hit was "very still".
He could see others "stunned" and one lady "pointing towards the other car and screaming".
"It was absolute carnage caused by one man's stupidity".
Traffic cameras from the scene showed major congestion on the southbound lanes.
Footage from the scene obtained by Newshub shows multiple vehicles involved, with one facing towards traffic. Police appeared to be examining the scene.
Newshub.
