KEY POINTS:
Auckland's Southern Motorway reopened late this morning, following a crash between a truck and two cars near Papakura.
Commuters returning to work after the long weekend were earlier facing traffic chaos with traffic backed up as far as Ramarama.
Inspector Ian Brooker said the truck, travelling south, smashed through the median barrier and hit two cars travelling north.
After crossing the motorway the truck came to a stop in some trees, trapping the driver at about 6.30 this morning.
It was not until after 9.30am that one lane heading south was opened.
A heavy salvage unit had to be used to move the truck.
The occupants of the two cars involved in the crash have been taken to Middlemore hospital with moderate injuries and the driver of the truck had to be freed, Mr Brooker said.
The tail was still reported to be between Ramarama and Drury at about 11.30am but, barring further accidents should clear quite quickly, Mr Brooker said.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
