Truck crash adds to commuters' back-to-work blues

The accident caused a delay of several hours. Photo / Martin Sykes

Auckland's Southern Motorway was closed for several hours yesterday morning - causing commuter misery on the return to work after the holiday weekend - after a crash between this truck and two cars near Papakura.

Traffic backed up for kilometres after the truck, travelling south, smashed through the median barrier and collided with the northbound cars about 6.30am.

It then crossed the motorway and came to rest in these trees, trapping the driver. A heavy salvage unit was used to move the truck and it was not until after 9.30am that one lane heading south was opened.

The car drivers were treated for moderate injuries at Middlemore Hospital.