A mother pleaded with rescuers to save her children before herself following a horrific Auckland road crash that claimed the life of one person and left six others injured.
The crash, involving a car and truck, occurred at the intersection of Ingram St and Porchester Rd in Papakura about 10.40pm on Wednesday, a police spokesperson said.
A witness told the Herald this morning he saw the crash happen outside his house.
He said a mother was injured and a baby was stuck in the back.
“We helped pull them out of the car. The lady who was stuck told us to leave her and grab the kids.”
He said one child seemed to be only months old, another looked about 3 or 4. Their faces were swollen and one of the people pulled from the car was not moving.
A police spokesperson said; “Sadly one person has died as a result and six others sustained injuries.
“Four of those were assessed as having serious to moderate injuries, with two others sustaining minor injuries.
“Those injured were transported to both Middlemore and Auckland City Hospitals.”
A Hato Hone St John Ambulance spokesperson said they received a call at 10.40pm yesterday about an incident on Ingram St and Porchester Rd, Papakura.
“We responded with four ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, and one operations manager.”
Seven patients were taken to the hospital, the spokesperson said.
“Three patients – one in serious condition, one in moderate condition, and one in minor condition – were taken to Starship Hospital via one ambulance.
“One patient in serious condition was taken to Starship Hospital via a second ambulance.”
Three patients were taken to Middlemore Hospital in two ambulances, the spokesperson said.
“One patient in critical condition was taken to Middlemore Hospital via a third ambulance. And two patients in moderate condition were taken to Middlemore Hospital via a fourth ambulance.
“One other patient in minor condition was assessed and treated at the scene.”
Top Geez Earth Workz Ltd director Tama Herkt said he was aware that one of his light trucks was involved in an accident.
“All I know is one of my workers getting interviewed. I have not heard from police and authorities yet.”
Overnight, the Serious Crash Unit had completed an examination of the scene and the road was reopened, a police spokesperson said.
Last night, police had advised motorists to avoid the area while their work was completed at the scene of a serious crash.
“An investigation will commence into the circumstances of the crash.”
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said two crews had attended the incident where one person was trapped in a vehicle.
“Rescue teams are extricating with equipment.”
St John Ambulance shift supervisor Debbie Keightley earlier said they had three patients in critical condition and five in serious-moderate condition.
“We’ve transported a total of eight patients to the hospital.
“Due to the number of patients, eight, we’ve transported them to both Auckland and Middlemore Hospitals.
“We’ve had to call in a significant amount of resources to this incident.”