Off-ramp on major Auckland motorway closed following crash involving a motorcycle, one person critically injured

Police investigate the scene of a motor vehicle accident in which a motorcycle collided with a truck at the Tauhinu Road off-ramp at Greenhithe. Photo / Hayden Woodward

A motorcyclist has died after they fled from police and crashed on an off-ramp on a major Auckland motorway.

Superintendent and relieving Waitematā District Commander Shanan Gray said police signalled for the rider to stop on State Highway 18 around 10.20am after units observed the vehicle speeding.

“Very shortly after lights and sirens were activated, the rider has lost control of the motorcycle and crashed. They have since sadly died at the scene,” said Gray.

TAUHINU RD, GREENHITHE - ROAD CLOSED - 11:20AM, THU 13 JULTauhinu Rd is closed in both directions between the Tauhinu Rd/Upper Harbour Dr/William Pitcher Pl roundabout and The Cl (including the eastbound Tauhinu Rd off-ramp) after a serious crash. Avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/gpDXUSa8Wl[1]

— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) July 12, 2023[2]

An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is now underway.

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The Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified of the incident as a standard procedure, said Gray.

“Diversions will remain in place this afternoon while the Serious Crash Unit makes enquiries.”

Police investigate the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Photo / Hayden Woodward Police investigate the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Photo / Hayden Woodward Police investigate the scene of a motor vehicle accident in which a motorcycle collided with a truck at the Tauhinu Road off-ramp at Greenhithe on State Highway 18 SH18 New Zealand Herald photograph by Hayden Woodward 13 July 2023 Police investigate the scene of a motor vehicle accident in which a motorcycle collided with a truck at the Tauhinu Road off-ramp at Greenhithe on State Highway 18 SH18 New Zealand Herald photograph by Hayden Woodward 13 July 2023

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the eastbound Tauhinu Rd off-ramp on SH18 Upper Harbour motorway is closed.

Tauhinu Rd, which passes over the motorway, is also closed between Tauhinu Rd/Upper Harbour Dr/William Pitcher Pl roundabout and The Close.

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Police responded to the incident around 10.25am.

“Initial indications suggest one person has received critical injuries,” said a police spokesperson.

SH18 TAUHINU RD OFF-RAMP - ROAD CLOSED - 10:40AM, THU 13 JULThe eastbound Tauhinu Rd off-ramp is closed due to a serious crash. Consider exiting via the next off-ramp eastbound at Albany Hwy. Highway Conditions Map: https://t.co/Pmk5Waolcb ^MS pic.twitter.com/5Fy6xTm7Zn[5][6]

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) July 12, 2023[7]

Diversions are in place while emergency services respond.

“Consider exiting via the next off-ramp eastbound at Albany Highway,” said Waka Kotahi.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

St John responded to the crash in Greenhithe with one ambulance and one rapid response unit. They referred all other inquiries to police.

The accident is causing disruption for bus users.

Auckland Transport said the inbound 120 bus service will be detoured until further notice.

Earlier this morning a person died after a crash in Southland involving a car and a truck.

The incident happened at 6.10am on State Highway 1 occurred earlier this morning north of Bluff - near the intersection with Stanley Township Rd leaving the road blocked.

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Caitlan Johnston is a breaking news reporter based in Waikato. She joined the Herald in 2022.

References

  1. ^ pic.twitter.com/gpDXUSa8Wl (t.co)
  2. ^ July 12, 2023 (twitter.com)
  3. ^ Advertise with NZME. (advertising.nzme.co.nz)
  4. ^ Advertise with NZME. (advertising.nzme.co.nz)
  5. ^ https://t.co/Pmk5Waolcb (t.co)
  6. ^ pic.twitter.com/5Fy6xTm7Zn (t.co)
  7. ^ July 12, 2023 (twitter.com)
  8. ^ Advertise with NZME. (advertising.nzme.co.nz)