Person dies after truck rolls, catches fire, State Highway 1 closed at Bombay Hills

One person has died in a fiery truck crash that has closed both lanes of Auckland's State Highway 1 on the Bombay Hills. One nearby resident has described hearing a "huge explosion" and seeing a massive plume of smoke.

The highway is closed in both directions at Bombay following the fatal accident, and police say the road is likely to stay shut until early this evening.

Police said the single-vehicle crash was reported at 11.40am, after the truck had reportedly rolled and subsequently caught fire near the Beaver Rd off-ramp.

The truck was travelling southbound at the time.

One person died at the scene, said police.

"There was just a huge explosion and then a plume of smoke and fire," a nearby resident said. "And then explosion sounds twice again. It was so loud and there was smoke everywhere."

One person died in the crash. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

State Highway 1 is currently closed in both directions between Mill Rd and Nikau Rd.

"The Serious Crash Unit is conducting an examination of the scene and there is a considerable amount of work required to clear the scene by emergency services and other contractors," said police in a statement at 2pm.

"It is anticipated the section of State Highway 1 between Mill Road and Nikau Road will be closed until this early this evening."

Southbound traffic is being diverted at the Bombay Hills, while northbound traffic is being diverted at Pōkeno.

Police reminded motorists undertaking any permitted travel today to allow plenty of time to reach their destinations safely.

More to come