State Highway 1 reopens near Dome Valley, north of Auckland, after major accident

A head-on collision north of Auckland left six people injured and closed State Highway 1 for several hours.

Two people are seriously injured and four are moderately injured from the accident. A person is being flown to the hospital.

Police spokesman Jarred Williamson said the accident occurred between two vehicles on SH1, south of Wellsford.

It was reported shortly before 4pm.

A section of SH1 was closed as emergency services rushed to the scene.

At 7:45 p.m., the road had reopened.

The closure caused significant travel delays. One person said it took them three hours to travel to Mangawhai from Auckland, about twice the normal travel time.

Diversions had been established for northbound and southbound traffic.

Police previously warned that the road “would likely remain closed for some time” while they conducted an examination of the scene.

“Police are advising motorists to expect travel delays tonight and we appreciate their cooperation as emergency services complete their work at the scene,” Williamson said.

The Police Serious Accident Unit had been notified and would examine the scene, he said.

A New Zealand Fire and Emergency spokesperson said one of the injured had to be released from one of the wrecked vehicles.

The accident occurred 150 meters south of Wayby Valley Rd.

More to come.