Two-truck crash on State Highway 1 south of Whangarei

Two trucks crashed on State Highway 1 south of Whangarei, completely tearing the seat of one vehicle out. Photo: Imran Ali.

A heavy two-truck crash on State Highway 1 south of Whangarei has left one driver with serious injuries and caused traffic delays.

Police were called to the crash between a logging truck and six-wheeler truck at Mata, 5km north of Ruakaka at 6.48am, a police spokesman said.

Police said an initial investigation indicated a north-bound freight truck appeared to have crossed the centre line and collided with the trailer unit of a logging truck between Salmon Rd and Springfield Rd.

The driver of the freight truck was seriously injured and taken to Whangarei Hospital.

The collision was so great, the driver's seat from the freight truck was ripped out and ended up in the ditch at the side of the road.

SH1 was down to one lane and heavy traffic was allowed to use the lane while cars and light vehicles were diverted through Salmon/Springfield Roads from both directions.

St John Ambulance transported one person with serious injuries and one person with minor injuries to hospital.

A crash has been reported on #SH1 btwn Mangapai & Ruakaka in #Northland. Allow extra time travelling nearby. More info soon. ^WS

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) November 21, 2016