One dead, road closed after crash in central Hamilton

One person has died after a serious crash that forced the closure of a major road in central Hamilton this morning.

A police spokesman said they were called to the intersection of Ohaupo Rd and Lorne St in Melville at 9.50am.

The crash involved two vehicles and police initially said there were “serious injuries”. They have since reported one person has died.

The road remains closed while police conduct a scene examination.

Two ambulances, a rapid response and an operations manager were sent to the scene, a St John spokesperson said.

SH3 (OHAUPO RD), HAMILTON - ROAD CLOSED - 10:40AM
Due to a serious crash, SH3 (Ohaupo Rd) is CLOSED between SH1C (Kahikatea Dr) & Normandy Ave in the Melville area, Hamilton. Use alternative route & allow extra time for delays in the surrounding area: https://t.co/HJDlFuXFj3 ^TP pic.twitter.com/DgVOgGOffP

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) January 24, 2024

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is warning motorists the crash could create serious delays and motorists will have to use an alternative route.

There are massive delays in the Hamilton CBD after a crash on SH3. Photo / Google Maps

The road is likely to be closed for “some time” according to the agency as police conduct their investigation.

Earlier traffic is backed up for nearly 4km in the areas surrounding the crash.