Bus driver killed in fiery crash with car in Auckland's Parnell

An Auckland Transport bus driver has died after a crash involving a car and an electric bus in Auckland's Parnell last night.

The head-on crash caused both vehicles to catch fire on Tāmaki Drive, near Mechanics Bay.

Bus operator Kinetic said an investigation had found the fire originated from the car involved, and the bus's batteries were "undamaged" and not a factor in the blaze.

The main coastal road between central and eastern Auckland remained closed as the Serious Crash Unit conducted scene investigations before the wreckage could be cleared.

Workers First Union confirmed the death in a statement: "We want to send our heartfelt condolences to the driver’s family and ask for privacy and sensitivity while the facts are being gathered about the circumstances leading to this devastating accident," said Workers First Union general secretary Dennis Maga.

The union said it was in contact with Kinetic and would provide further details when possible.

The driver had not yet been named.

"It’s a tragedy when any person dies in their place of work," Maga said, "and even more so when they are providing a public service to their community as Auckland’s bus drivers do every day. Their work keeps our city moving, and this loss will be felt widely among drivers.

"We want to offer our support to the driver’s family and colleagues, and will work cooperatively with authorities to understand how this accident happened and what the next steps will be."

Earlier, police said another person suffered serious injuries in the incident and was taken to hospital.

"All road users are asked to avoid the area, and seek and alternative route while the scene is cleared," police said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it was alerted to the crash shortly after 9pm.

Around 16 fire trucks attended to extinguish the fire, along with several support vehicles.

As of 3am, two trucks remained at the scene.

Auckland Transport's Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, said the crash was "very distressing for all involved".

"We will work closely with our operator, NZ Police and Fire and Emergency NZ to understand what has happened and provide whatever support is needed,” she said.

"While the investigation continues this morning, there will be road closures and public transport diversions that will impact people’s journeys today, and we appreciate our customers’ patience while this takes place.”

Kinetic said it was a "deeply felt loss for all of us".

"Our team is supporting one another as we come to terms with the news, and additional support is available for those who need it."

The operator said it was working closely with authorities as the investigation into the crash continued.

"The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority. Our buses, including our battery-operated buses, are operated and maintained to the strictest safety standards, and our drivers are highly trained to handle all situations safely."

Tamaki Drive was closed between Ngapipi Rd and The Strand and was likely to remain closed throughout the morning peak.

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes (including Shore Rd, Remuera Rd or State Highway 1) to access the city from the Eastern Suburbs.

Motorists were advised to expect significant delays travelling to the city centre and on State Highway 1 today and should consider delaying journeys or avoiding travel to the city centre where possible.

Eastern line trains were running however the footpath and cycleway were closed. Bus routes 76, 774, 775, TMK are detouring via Orakei Rd, Shore Rd and Parnell Rd.

Freight access to the port at Solent Street remained open.