Capital chaos: Crash closes Wellington's Mt Victoria tunnel for nearly three hours, two in hospital

The aftermath of the Paterson St crash. Image / Facebook

Two people have been injured in a crash that had closed Wellington's Mt Victoria tunnel, paralysing the capital during the morning rush hour.

The tunnel, a main link between the city and the eastern suburbs, was closed in both directions from 6.15am until just before 9am.

The two-car crash happened in Paterson St on the city side of the tunnel.

One person has critical injuries and a second has moderate injuries.

A Wellington Free Ambulance spokesperson confirmed they transported two people to Wellington Hospital.

Motorists were asked to detour through Newtown or to head around the bays.

UPDATE 8:20AM
Due to a serious prior crash on SH1 Paterson St, The Mt. #Victoria Tunnel remains CLOSED. The shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists is now open, however. ^CR https://t.co/NfrDtBunuU

— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) June 11, 2019

Buses also experienced delays, and Wellington Airport advised customers catching a flight to plan ahead.

TRAFFIC DELAY: Mt Victoria tunnel is currently closed so please consider alternate routes if heading to the airport. Please check with @NZTAWgtn for updates. pic.twitter.com/oahMCCfh5z

— Wellington Airport (@WLGAirport) June 11, 2019

Police said the single-vehicle crash happened just after 6am.

A spokesperson said fire crews freed a person who was trapped in a vehicle.

The Serious Crash Unit was on site.

SH1 MT VICTORIA TUNNEL - CRASH - 6:15AM
Due to a crash on Paterson St, the tunnel is CLOSED in both directions. Please use an alternate route via Newtown or Harbour Bays and expect DELAYS. ^CR pic.twitter.com/YdZnp4hkK8

— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) June 11, 2019

Meanwhile people heading south from Auckland this morning have reported heavy delays after a truck breakdown on State Highway 1 just after the Mill Rd on-ramp near the Bombay Hills.

The breakdown just after 6am had been towed clear of lanes by 8am but delays and congestion were expected.

UPDATE 8:05AM
This breakdown now towed clear of lanes. Allow extra time for congestion southbound through the Bombay area to ease. ^TPhttps://t.co/AJi3WwxMLb

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 11, 2019