SH1 closed at Manakau, fatal crash between car and truck

A serious crash between a truck and a car has closed State Highway 1 at Manakau. Photo / File

One person has died following a serious crash involving a car and a truck on State Highway 1 in the Horowhenua district this morning.

SH1 has now reopened in both directions, after being closed due to the crash earlier this morning, but Waka Kotahi advises to expect continued delays as congestion eases.

One commuter said the car and truck had been removed from the road by tow trucks, but there were still hundreds of cars queuing northbound, with the line stretching back between Manakau and Ōtaki.

UPDATE 11:15AM
SH1 Manakau is now OPEN in both directions, please continue to expect DELAYS as congestion eases. Thank you for your patience and understanding. https://t.co/egyYKppayD

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) December 19, 2021

Emergency services were alerted to the crash, which occurred just north of South Manakau Rd, shortly before 6am.

Police have confirmed the driver of the car died at the scene, and the truck driver sustained moderate injuries.

Photos posted to social media show the truck on its side in a driveway.

The crash was between a car and a truck on SH1. Photo / Facebook

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advised the road was closed between Ōtaki and Manakau and the Serious Crash Unit was conducting an investigation.

Motorists are told to expect significant delays if travelling on SH1 this morning.