Person killed, two taken to hospital after three-car crash in Kumeu

The crash happened just before 8.35pm at the intersection of State Highway 16 and Kennedys Rd. Photo / Google

A man has been killed and two people were injured in a crash in Kumeu, West Auckland this evening.

Police were called to the three-car crash on State Highway 16 near Kennedys Rd about 8.35pm, a spokeswoman said.

The man who died was the sole occupant of one of the cars. Another person was taken to North Shore Hospital in a serious condition and a third was taken to hospital to be checked as a precaution.

A rescue helicopter was sent to the scene as two patients were originally assessed as having life-threatening injuries.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was seen arriving at the scene of the crash but a spokesman said the chopper had since been stood down.

He said there were now two patients with serious and moderate injuries and they were being transported by ambulance.

The police spokeswoman could not confirm if those injured were drivers or passengers in the vehicles.

The highway - which has an 80kmh speed limit - is closed in both directions and diversions are being put in place. Drivers are asked to follow instructions and avoid the area.

The road is closed and is expected to remain so for the next few hours. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.