The car came to rest trapped under the tanker truck. Photo / Dean Purcell
The car came to rest trapped under the tanker truck. Photo / Dean Purcell
Auckland motorists faced lengthy delays after a crash closed northbound lanes on the Southern Motorway this afternoon.
The crash, involving a tanker truck and at least one car trapped under it, took place just after the Khyber Pass offramp.
The crash has been cleared and the lanes are now open.
FINAL UPDATE 2:40PM All lanes are now OPEN (northbound) near the Khyber Pass off-ramp on the Southern Mwy, thanks to the work of emergency services on-site. Expect delays as congestion eases through the area. ^MF https://t.co/XvFyOy8Dn0
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 22, 2020
One person was taken to Auckland City Hospital with moderate injuries. .
The car came to rest trapped under the tanker truck. Photo / Dean Purcell
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager said they freed two people, one from each vehicle, at the scene.
A passing motorist said while one car was trapped underneath the large truck, it appeared two other cars might have been damaged by the median barrier.
"Probably trying to get out of the way," she said.
Police are warning of heavy congestion near the crash site.
While traffic was going to be "a nightmare", it appeared those already caught in the congestion were being patient, she said.
Heavy congestion is building behind the crash scene. Photo / Dean Purcell
"I think they understood it was pretty serious."
FINAL UPDATE 2:40PM All lanes are now OPEN (northbound) near the Khyber Pass off-ramp on the Southern Mwy, thanks to the work of emergency services on-site. Expect delays as congestion eases through the area. ^MF https://t.co/XvFyOy8Dn0
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 22, 2020
Rubberneckers were adding to the delays, she said.
The crash initially blocked three northbound lanes, causing heavy congestion.
The crash is exacerbating delays for motorists heading north due to the closure of Auckland Harbour Bridge lanes in both directions.
Long delays are apparent as far back as Greenlane. Image / NZTA
Traffic is now gridlocked back to Greenlane and is inching along at Ellerslie.
Please note this incident will cause additional delays for any traffic heading towards the North Shore via the AHB. Be prepared for delays and allow additional time for your journey. ^MF https://t.co/XvFyOy8Dn0
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 22, 2020
NZTA has advised motorists to pass the scene with care and expect delays.
Police were notified of the crash on the northbound lanes shortly after 1.30pm today.
"Motorists are advised to expect delays or use an alternative route where possible."
