One person dead after two-car crash near Wellsford closes State Highway 1

One person is dead following a two-car crash that is blocking State Highway 1 near the Centennial Park intersection in Wellsford.

Two people are being treated for moderate injuries at the scene, a St John Ambulance spokeswoman said.

State Highway 1 is currently blocked in both directions and diversions will be put in
place.

Northbound traffic is being diverted through Centennial Park Rd while southbound traffic is being detoured via SH16.

UPDATE 1PM
Northbound traffic turn right onto Centennial Park Road, left onto Matheson Road, then right onto #SH1. Southbound traffic turn right onto #SH16 and follow #SH16 to Warkworth/Auckland. ^MF https://t.co/46G2cJhjL2

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) April 3, 2018

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

Fire and police are in attendance. Wellsford is 77km northwest of Auckland.

SH1 WELLSFORD - SERIOUS CRASH - 12.50PM

A serious crash has CLOSED the road between the Intersection of SH16 and Centennial Park Road. Contractors are on-site and a detour route is being set up. Please use an alternative route. ^MF pic.twitter.com/96x01lfpCr

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) April 3, 2018

Six people died on the roads over Easter and police are pleading with drivers to take care when driving.

The Wellsford crash brings the road toll to 108 - at this time last year it was 94 - and police assistant commissioner for road policing Sandra Venables says many of the crashes are preventable.

"I ask all road users to take care of themselves and their passengers," she said.

"Decisions you make in your car, your truck, or on your bike impact on everyone.

"Even good drivers can make mistakes, so stay focused on getting to your destination safely.

"Make sure you're paying attention to your driving, be aware of hazards, and take a break if you're tired."

- Additional reporting: NZN