Police investigate the scene of a motor vehicle accident in which a motorcycle collided with a truck at the Tauhinu Road off-ramp at Greenhithe. Photo / Hayden Woodward
A motorcyclist has died after they fled from police and crashed on an off-ramp on a major Auckland motorway.
Superintendent and relieving Waitematā District Commander Shanan Gray said police signalled for the rider to stop on State Highway 18 around 10.20am after units observed the vehicle speeding.
“Very shortly after lights and sirens were activated, the rider has lost control of the motorcycle and crashed. They have since sadly died at the scene,” said Gray.
TAUHINU RD, GREENHITHE - ROAD CLOSED - 11:20AM, THU 13 JUL Tauhinu Rd is closed in both directions between the Tauhinu Rd/Upper Harbour Dr/William Pitcher Pl roundabout and The Cl (including the eastbound Tauhinu Rd off-ramp) after a serious crash. Avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/gpDXUSa8Wl
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) July 12, 2023
An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is now underway.
“Initial indications suggest one person has received critical injuries,” said a police spokesperson.
SH18 TAUHINU RD OFF-RAMP - ROAD CLOSED - 10:40AM, THU 13 JUL The eastbound Tauhinu Rd off-ramp is closed due to a serious crash. Consider exiting via the next off-ramp eastbound at Albany Hwy. Highway Conditions Map: https://t.co/Pmk5Waolcb ^MS pic.twitter.com/5Fy6xTm7Zn
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) July 12, 2023
Diversions are in place while emergency services respond.
“Consider exiting via the next off-ramp eastbound at Albany Highway,” said Waka Kotahi.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
St John responded to the crash in Greenhithe with one ambulance and one rapid response unit. They referred all other inquiries to police.
The accident is causing disruption for bus users.
Auckland Transport said the inbound 120 bus service will be detoured until further notice.
Earlier this morning a person died after a crash in Southland involving a car and a truck.
The incident happened at 6.10am on State Highway 1 occurred earlier this morning north of Bluff - near the intersection with Stanley Township Rd leaving the road blocked.