Both legs severed in major crash

The motorcyclist suffered critical injuries and was taken to Auckland City Hospital. File photo

A motorcyclist had both legs severed and is fighting for his life after he collided with a truck in West Auckland.

Emergency services were called to Royal Rd in Massey, just off the Northwestern Motorway at 4.40pm.

The motorcyclist suffered critical injuries and was taken to Auckland City Hospital.

A police spokesman said he was "pretty gravely ill".

Officer were contacting the man's family and a team at the hospital were still working on him.

The Waitemata Serious Crash Unit is investigating, however witnesses have told police that it appeared the motorcyclist was speeding just before the crash.

"It's possible that speed is factor. There were only two vehicles involved, him and the truck. We are still investigating but according to people at the scene speed was possibly a factor on his part."

A St John spokeswoman said the motorcyclist was transported in a critical, or status one, condition.

She said the truck driver was assessed to be in a moderate, or status three, condition and was taken to Waitakere Hospital.

Royal Rd was still cordoned off at 8pm, which caused traffic to back up on the motorway.