Two critically injured in hospital following Maraetai crash

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter assisted critical patients. Photo / Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Two people have been critically injured and taken to hospital following a serious crash in Maraetai, Auckland that has closed Maraetai Drive.

One person has been airlifted to Auckland City Hospital and the other has been taken by ambulance to Middlemore Hospital.

The single-car crash happened just after 2pm on Maraetai Drive near Keanes Rd, in Te Puru and not far from the main Beachland shops.

Locals said they heard police cars with sirens and ambulances "flying through Whitford" towards Beachlands.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent to assist around 2.35pm.

A spokesman said the patients were trapped in the vehicle.

St John sent two ambulances, two rapid response units and an operations manager.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter assisted critical patients. Photo / Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Fire and Emergency and police also attended.

Cordons are in place at the intersection of Maraetai Drive and Maraetai School Rd, and at the roundabout at Whitford-Maraetai Rd and Beachlands Rd.

They are expected to remain in place for most of the afternoon, police said.

Buses are unable to pass in either direction and will be cutting their journeys short on Beachlands Rd, Auckland Transport said.

With the road blockage, 739 buses are unable to pass in either direction.
They will be ending their journeys at stop 2366 at 136 Beachlands Road and beginning from stop 2365 opposite 136 Beachlands Road. https://t.co/rnhqNTLD33 pic.twitter.com/W1Sg0MAoyL

— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) July 28, 2021

The road is closed and drivers are urged to avoid the area.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.