Two crashes overnight close an Auckland road after two killed, another hospitalised

A second person has died following the crash about 4.20am on Don Buck Road, Massey, this morning. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Auckland police were twice at the same suburban road last night for separate crashes that killed two people and hospitalised another.

Acting Inspector Terry Lee said one person was found dead at the scene of a 4.16am crash. A second person was taken to hospital with serious injuries but later died.

Lee said what caused the crash is not clear at this stage.

Due to the ongoing investigation, Don Buck Rd has been closed between Gallony Ave and Redhills Rd.

“We understand the road closure will cause disruption and officers are working hard to complete the scene examination as quickly as possible so the road can be reopened,” said Lee.

Earlier on the same road, a Toyota van rolled down a bank into a cluster of trees about 11pm.

According to a photographer at the scene, the sole male occupant received moderate to serious injuries.

A van rolled down a bank on Don Buck Rd, Massey in Auckland last night, leaving a man injured. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Photos of the crash show the van badly dented and windows smashed.

Police said the van was the only car involved and the driver was taken to hospital.

The first crash occurred around 11pm, when a Toyota van rolled down a bank into a cluster of trees. Photo / NZME

Last night’s crash brings the Christmas-New Year road toll 12, the highest in five years except for last year, when 16 people died on New Zealand roads over the holiday period.

The holiday road toll now stands at 12 deaths. Photo / Alan Gibson