A tractor and trailer carrying grain has rolled on Auckland's Southern Motorway near Pōkeno – leaving one person seriously injured, blocking both southbound lanes for several hours and causing "significant delays" for motorists.
Police said the single-vehicle crash was reported at around 2.30pm on Friday and, in an update at around 4.40pm, said the lanes were expected to remain closed for "at least two hours".
"Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel or seek an alternative route," a police spokesperson said.
St John said it responded with one ambulance.
"One patient was assessed at the scene by the ambulance crew and is being transported to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition. A second patient declined an assessment from our ambulance staff."
Footage captured by 1News showed grain scattered across the road surface and salvage crews on the scene.
NZTA said the motorway was closed after the Bombay off-ramp due to the crash.
"Avoid the area or delay your journey if possible. Please follow direction of emergency services on scene."
Fire and Emergency NZ said it responded with three crews from Pōkeno, Pukekohe and Tuakau to assist police and ambulance staff.
Traffic has already backed up more than 5km towards Ramarama, according to Google traffic data.
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