Auckland motorway reopens after wrong-way crash puts two in hospital

A section of Auckland’s Southern Motorway has reopened after a serious head-on crash between a car and a van overnight. 

The southbound lanes were closed for several hours between the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Mt Wellington following the crash, which happened around 1am. 

Three fire crews attended the scene and freed two people using rescue tools, Fire and Emergency northern shift manager Josh Pennefather said. 

The ambulance service was called at 1.07am and took two patients to Auckland Hospital – one in a serious condition and one critical, a Hato Hone St John spokesman said. 

Police confirmed both of those injured were the drivers of the vehicles. 

The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene overnight, and an investigation is now underway, police said. 

Emergency services have responded to a high-speed head-on collision, with fire crews working to cut two people free from the wreckage. Photo / NZ Herald 

Diversions are no longer in place as of 6.40am. 

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi was earlier warning motorists to avoid the area. 

“The road is expected to remain closed for a while longer. Consider delaying your journey or allow extra time for a detour and expect delays,” NZTA said in a 5am update. 

Auckland's Southern Motorway was closed for several hours southbound between the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Mt Wellington, but has since reopened. Image / NZTA Waka Kotahi