Multiple pile-up on Auckland motorway

Police and fire teams work at the crash site on the Southern Motorway. Picture / Greg Bowker

One person died in a multiple pile-up on Auckland's Southern Motorway this morning.

Police said at least seven vehicles were involved in the 9.45am crash on the southbound lanes at Takanini.

One person has been confirmed dead and another is in a serious condition. At least eight others suffered minor to moderate injuries.

The motorway was closed southbound causing major disruption to Good Friday traffic, which was made worse by several subsequent minor accidents.

Motorway traffic was being diverted at Hill Rd before Manurewa and some southbound on-ramps were closed to ease congestion, police said.

One driver reported southbound traffic was backed up at least as far as East Tamaki Road - about 12km. He said the vehicles from the main crash had been loaded on to transporters and occupants were sitting beside the road with their belongings.

Motorists were being asked to avoid the motorway entirely if travelling south and to take extra care if travelling north past the scene.

Late this morning, Inspector Ian Brooker said: "Good progress has been made clearing the four separate accident scenes in the vicinity of Takanini, however there will still be a full closure between Manurewa and Takanini interchanges for at least another hour.

"Traffic banked up to between Otahuhu and Mt Wellington will take at least an hour after this to clear. Traffic can now re-enter the motorway, south at Takanini."

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF