Two people critically injured after serious crash near Waimauku closes State Highway 16

The intersection of McPike Rd and SH16. Photo / Google

Three people were injured in a serious crash near Waimauku in West Auckland this evening, resulting in the closure of State Highway 16.

The Westpac Rescue Auckland Helicopter was tasked to assist emergency services in transporting a woman in a critical condition to Auckland City Hospital.

The woman, who is in her 20s, needed a rapid sequence intubation to assist her breathing and a blood transfusion was administered by a Helicopter Emergency Medical System doctor.

Two other people were injured, one was in a serious condition and the other moderate, a Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust spokesman said.

A police spokesperson said the crash occurred north of McPike Rd.

The NZ Transport Agency is reporting the road is still closed between the Waimauku roundabout and Kiwitahi Rd and will remain closed for a few hours while police carry out a crash investigation.

Emergency services were notified about 5.15pm and are attending the scene. Diversions are in place.

Meanwhile, a crash on the Southern Motorway at Hill Rd has now been cleared but has caused significant delays back to East Tamaki heading southbound.

A breakdown is partially blocking the left lane of the northbound Southwestern Motorway before the Puhinui Rd on-ramp. Traffic is also heavy from Walmsley Rd to Mangere Bridge.

The transport agency is also reporting a breakdown on Highbrook Dr between the Highbrook off-ramp and El Kobar Dr.

Another breakdown is being reported on the Albany Highway between the on-ramp and Bush Rd.

FINAL UPDATE 7:00PM
We're signing off for the night. #SH16 will remain CLOSED for a few hours while police carry out a crash investigation. Overnight updates can be found here: https://t.co/4rdwHc7oV3. Drive safe. ^MF https://t.co/WZ0g2EmhZ6

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) August 29, 2018