Heart attack possible cause of fatal west Auckland crash

File photo / NZ Herald

Witnesses to the aftermath of a fatal head-on collision in west Auckland this morning believe it may have been caused by the driver of an SUV having a heart attack and drifting into traffic.

Emergency services performed CPR on the man for about 25 minutes after the crash on Lincoln Rd, Henderson, but he died at the scene.

Lincoln Rd resident Graham Johansen said he heard a loud bang about 10am.

"I didn't hear any brakes at all, which is odd because that's what you usually hear before an accident. Then I head the sirens and so I went out to have a look.

"From what I observed it appeared as if one gentleman in a white SUV was coming from Henderson, heading towards the motorway. He appears to have had a heart attack and was driving on the wrong side of the road and he hit a station wagon, front-on, coming the other way.''

The SUV had ended up on top of the smaller car's front, crushing it.

The driver of the smaller car had to be cut from the wreckage and was taken to hospital.

An ambulance spokeswoman said he was in a serious condition.

Meanwhile, emergency services performer CPR on the other man, who looked to be in his 50s or 60s, for at least 25 minutes but he died on the roadside.

He died on the roadside, Mr Johansen said.

A green tent was placed around his body while the scene was examined.

Mr Johansen said the man's family then arrived and were weeping and supporting each other.

Staff at Lincoln New Zealand Premium Wines store also said it appeared the man had a heart attack.

The police serious crash unit is investigating.