Driver dies after crashing into water near Auckland Airport

A driver suffered critical injuries after their vehicle left the road, and became partly submerged in a lake. Photo / SNPA

A motorist has died after a crash near Auckland Airport early today.

The vehicle left the road and crashed into water near the intersection of Tom Pearce Dr and Puhinui Rd at about 1.15am.

The man was taken to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition but had since died.

Police said they would like to acknowledge the members of the public who were first on the scene and put aside their personal safety help the man.

A witness said: "I didn't hear the crash, but heard a bit of tyre-screeching. I thought nothing of it till I heard all the sirens.

"I came for a look and saw the vehicle in the water, upside down. All the services were here fast, I hope the driver is okay."

Fire and Emergency NZ said firefighters helped to free the driver from the vehicle.

One patient was taken to Middlemore Hospital, St John Ambulance said.

01/04/19 01:16: Traffic incident in Auckland Airport . 1 patient to Middlemore Hospital. https://t.co/G26IKWlGFI

— St John (@StJohnAlerts) March 31, 2019

The Counties Manukau Serious Crash unit attended and have begun an investigation.