Police close the Northern Motorway south of Silverdale after a two-car crash. Traffic was backed up to Albany with diversions through Dairy Flat for northbound traffic. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Police close the Northern Motorway south of Silverdale after a two-car crash. Traffic was backed up to Albany with diversions through Dairy Flat for northbound traffic. Photo / Hayden Woodward
A man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a car in the Auckland suburb of Pt Chevalier before fleeing north and colliding with another car on State Highway 1 near Silverdale on Sunday afternoon.
The crash closed the Northern Motorway for about 4.5 hours, causing gridlocked traffic and standing thousands of motorists.
A police spokesperson said about 2.40pm, they responded to Walmer Rd after a man allegedly tried to steal a vehicle from an elderly woman before stealing a vehicle from a second person on the same road.
“Luckily no serious injuries were sustained.”
Police followed the vehicle to the Northern Motorway with the assistance of the Air Support Unit and traffic cameras.
“At around 3pm the driver came to a stop following a multi-vehicle crash where the vehicle has rolled,” he said.
“Two people, including the offender, received moderate injuries.
“While the offender was travelling along the Northern Motorway he allegedly damaged a number of vehicles and knocked a motorcyclist off their bike.
“The Serious Crash Unit has completed a scene examination and the road is due to be reopened within the next hour.”
Charges are being considered for a 34-year-old man and enquiries into the incident are ongoing. The incident will be referred to the IPCA.
Google Maps showed traffic backed up all the way to Albany, with motorists warned to expect significant delays.
NZTA Waka Kotahi said the motorway reopened about 7.15pm.
The agency had earlier asked people to avoid the area or consider taking Dairy Flat Highway.
A witness told the Herald she saw a golden Toyota Hilux pass them while “driving erratically on the Northern Motorway.
Traffic is at standstill on the Northern Motorway this afternoon after a serious two-car crash involving a stolen car. Photo / Hayden Woodward
“We saw him driving in the middle of two lanes. We saw him hit one car, and further along, we saw him hit a motorbike and the guy came off his motorbike,” she said.
“We didn’t see anything after that, but he clipped a van further up, and the van flipped.”
The witness said at least five or six police cars passed them at first and four or five flew by later.
“The road is expected to be closed for another couple of hours,” she said.
“The guy has been apprehended apparently.”
UPDATE 4PM #SH1 Northern Mwy remains CLOSED to northbound traffic between Oteha and Silverdale. Avoid the area and consider SH16 for travels north this afternoon. ^CS https://t.co/PLHxVMv420
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) October 13, 2024
A St John spokesperson said they transported two people to North Shore Hospital in a moderate condition.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they received a call at 3.06pm to a motor vehicle crash on the Northern Motorway.
