Auckland’s Southern Motorway crash: Police arrest four youths after ride on motorway causes crash

A crash on Auckland's Southern Motorway blocks northbound lanes near the interchange with the Southeastern Highway on Tuesday morning. Photo / NZTA

Four youths have been arrested following a fleeing-driver incident on Auckland’s Southern Motorway, which ended in the stolen vehicle rear-ending a commuter’s car.

At least four cars were stopped across northbound lanes of State Highway 1 following the incident near Mt Wellington and police were at the scene.

A police spokesperson said the ordeal began about 9.23am, when officers saw a vehicle being driven at “excessive speed” in Manurewa. It was soon confirmed as stolen.

“Police did not signal for the driver to stop, but the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed to the area and began tracking it,” police said.

“The vehicle entered the Southern Motorway heading north and was seen weaving dangerously through traffic, clipping a vehicle being driven by a member of the public.”

UPDATE - 9:20AM
Emergency services have now closed both on-ramp lanes and the right northbound lane, with only 2 lanes available for all northbound traffic. Avoid this route, delay your journey or expect long delays through the area. ^TP https://t.co/iWo2LvaXYe

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) November 25, 2024

Police said the vehicle then crashed into another motorist’s vehicle and came to a stop while still on the motorway near Mt Wellington.

“All four occupants exited and fled on foot into a grassed area beside the motorway, but they were quickly taken into custody.”

The driver of the vehicle that was rear-ended suffered moderate injuries and was taken to hospital.

Police said all four alleged offenders will face charges in court at a later date.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) earlier said the nearby Southeastern Highway on- and off-ramps were closed due to the crash.

“Take extra care and expect delays through this area until lanes can be cleared,” the agency said.

NZTA said the lanes were fully reopened at 10.10am, but motorists should continue to allow extra time as the congestion slowly eases.

Live traffic data showed congestion had caused a queue of traffic almost 6km long after the crash, from the Southeastern Highway interchange to Highbrook Drive.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

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