Papakura truck crash causes motorway delays

A crash involving a truck and two cars is causing major delays on the southern motorway at Papakura.

Just before 6.30 am a southbound truck smashed through the median barrier into northbound lanes where it collided with two northbound cars before coming to rest in roadside trees trapping the driver.

The driver has been freed and the occupants of the two cars have been transported to Middlemore Hospital with moderate injuries.

There is major congestion resulting in closures of the motorway, northbound, at both Papakura and Drury. The Drury diversion will be lifted as soon as the Papakura closure is operating adequately. One lane is still open at the scene and is being used to clear traffic already past the Papakura ramp.

Delays on alternative routes can be expected and it is as yet too early to give an estimate for clearing the scene and reopening the motorway. Further notifications will be made when this occurs.

Serious Crash and Commercial Vehicle Investigation staff are aware of the effects of the closures and clearing the scene is their priority now that the injured have been removed.

In the mean time motorists are advised to delay travel where possible or to consider alternative routes - choices are obviously limited.