“Sadly, a female occupant from one of the vehicles died at the scene despite assistance from emergency services,” police said.
A person in the other vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition, Hato Hone St John said.
A person who works near where the crash happened told the Herald they heard a very loud bang, which “sounded like a large shipping container had been dropped on to the road”.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said two rescue crews and one fire engine responded to the incident on Main Highway.
Crews used rescue equipment to extract people trapped in the vehicles.
Hato Hone St John responded with two ambulances, one manager and one rapid response vehicle.
A police investigation is now under way to determine the circumstances of the crash.
Main Highway has been closed between the intersections of Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Amy St.
Police are asking people to avoid the area if possible and to expect delays because closures are expected for a few hours this evening.
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