A motorcyclist has died after they fled from police and crashed on an off-ramp on a major Auckland motorway.
Superintendent and relieving Waitematā District Commander Shanan Gray said police signalled for the rider to stop on State Highway 18 around 10.20am after units observed the vehicle speeding.
“Very shortly after lights and sirens were activated, the rider has lost control of the motorcycle and crashed. They have since sadly died at the scene,” said Gray.
An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is now underway.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified of the incident as a standard procedure, said Gray.
“Diversions will remain in place this afternoon while the Serious Crash Unit makes enquiries.”
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the eastbound Tauhinu Rd off-ramp on SH18 Upper Harbour motorway is closed.
Tauhinu Rd, which passes over the motorway, is also closed between Tauhinu Rd/Upper Harbour Dr/William Pitcher Pl roundabout and The Close.
Police responded to the incident around 10.25am.
“Initial indications suggest one person has received critical injuries,” said a police spokesperson.
Diversions are in place while emergency services respond.
“Consider exiting via the next off-ramp eastbound at Albany Highway,” said Waka Kotahi.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
St John responded to the crash in Greenhithe with one ambulance and one rapid response unit. They referred all other inquiries to police.
The accident is causing disruption for bus users.
Auckland Transport said the inbound 120 bus service will be detoured until further notice.
Earlier this morning a person died after a crash in Southland involving a car and a truck.
The incident happened at 6.10am on State Highway 1 occurred earlier this morning north of Bluff - near the intersection with Stanley Township Rd leaving the road blocked.
Caitlan Johnston is a breaking news reporter based in Waikato. She joined the Herald in 2022.