Crash closes State Highway 22 in South Auckland, one critically injured

A major South Auckland highway is closed after a crash this afternoon, which left one person critically injured.

Two people are still trapped in their vehicle and another is fighting for their life after the crash on Karaka Rd, State Highway 22.

The crash on the highway between the Southern Motorway and Pukekohe and Glenbrook happened about 2.25pm, a police spokeswoman said.

“Road closures are in place on SH22 and motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible,” she said.

Footage of the crash supplied to the Herald showed two cars each with crushed bonnets with debris strewn over the road.

SH22 - KARAKA - ROAD CLOSED - 2:10PM
Due to a serious crash in the Karaka area, between Great South Rd & Glenbrook Rd (Karaka Rbt), including Blackbridge Rd, #SH22 is closed. Please follow directions of emergency services in the area and consider delaying your journey. ^ND pic.twitter.com/0rDMGRxInD

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) June 26, 2025

Emergency services have closed Karaka Rd between Blackridge Rd and the Glenbrook roundabout.

Diversions are in place north of the crash at Karaka Rd and Great South Rd.

The Police Serious Crash Unit has been notified and will be attending.

“Police advise motorists to expect delays in the area this afternoon,” she said.

NZ Transport Agency told motorists to follow the directions of emergency services in the area, “and consider delaying your journey”.

A backlog from the crash was causing delays at the off-ramps at Great South Rd.