Car on back of tow truck bursts into flames on Auckland’s Southern Motorway

Flames engulf the hood of a car on Auckland's Southern Motorway.

A car on the back of a tow truck burst into flames on Auckland’s Southern Motorway this morning, causing major traffic delays.

Emergency services reported the bush on the side of the busy motorway also caught fire.

The New Zealand Transport Agency said the left northbound lane was blocked after the Mt Wellington Highway exit. The lane was reopened after an hour.

Video from the fire showed flames engulfing the front of a silver car. The back wheels of the vehicle were also turned in.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they were called to the scene at 9.50am.

Flames engulf the bonnet of a car on Auckland's Southern Motorway.

Two fire trucks were sent to the scene and the fire has since been extinguished. There were no reports of injuries or anyone needing to be rescued.

A police spokesperson said the vehicle was on the back of a tow truck when it caught fire.

The vehicle was dropped from the tow truck when the blaze broke out.

According to Google Maps, traffic was backed up for nearly 5km approaching the crash.