Five injured in State Highway 1 car crash at Wellsford north of Auckland

SH1 is closed between Davies Rd and Port Albert Rd. Photo / Waka Kotahi NZTA

Five people have been injured after a serious crash that closed State Highway 1 at the south end of Wellsford for more than two hours today.

The two-car crash, north of Auckland, occurred at about 2.20pm at the intersection with Davies Rd.

Three people were airlifted to Auckland Hospital with serious injuries and two people were taken to North Shore Hospital with moderate injuries, police said.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew, alongside a Northland Rescue Helicopter Trust helicopter, each flew patients to hospital in a serious condition.

The helicopters at the scene of the cras. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

Traffic was diverted for a time off the main highway through Davies Rd and State Highway 16.

Waka Kotahi NZTA said a short detour was available but motorists should expect some delays, while the police Serious Crash Unit investigated.

The transport agency said shortly after 5pm that SH1 reopened.

FINAL UPDATE 5:10PM
SH1 Wellsford is now OPEN following this afternoon's serious crash. Take care. ^CS https://t.co/5LX3Nl9naR

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 11, 2022

UPDATE 4PM
SH1 remains closed between Davies Rd and Port Albert Rd. The road is likely to remain CLOSED for some time to allow SCU to conduct investigations. NB traffic detour via Davies Rd, SH16 and back on to SH1. Reverse for SB. ^CS https://t.co/5LX3Nl9naR pic.twitter.com/Ji5jyNFu1j

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 11, 2022