Passenger chaos: body on the train tracks; fog, crashes on State Highway 1, Waikato Expressway

The discovery of a dead person on the tracks caused all trains in Auckland to be delayed or canceled before the morning rush hour this morning.

There was a widespread disruption to the city’s rail network after police revealed the sudden death incident in Manukau overnight.

The dense fog has also caused “multiple crashes” on the State Highway 1 Waikato Expressway around 6 a.m., causing a section of the highway to close in both directions, authorities said shortly before 8 a.m.

Body found in clues

Auckland’s entire train network has been affected by a police investigation that took place south of the city, after a person was found dead on the train tracks near Wiri Station Rd.

An investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances of the death, police said.

Train travelers were notified of the widespread delay at 6.30am with a warning to allow additional time to travel by public transport this morning.

Auckland Transport said that trains on the southern line between Ōtāhuhu and Pukekohe were canceled and would run every 20 minutes between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu.

Initially, the eastern line trains were canceled between Ōtāhuhu and Manukau and would run at 20 minute intervals between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu.

At 7:30 a.m. M., Auckland Transport said that trains were now running to Manukau with rail buses running between Papakura and Pukekohe.

Travelers using trains on the Onehunga and Western lines could expect delays and cancellations.

A spokesperson said it would take time to resume the normal schedule.

SH1 Waikato Expressway section closed

Meanwhile, motorists using the SH1 Waikato Expressway this morning are stuck in traffic after at least two crashes in the early hours of this morning.

Emergency services were called to “multiple crashes” on the road before 6 am. Heavy fog is understood to be a contributing factor.

Shortly before 8 a.m., police issued an alert telling people that the road in Hampton Downs was now closed in both directions as authorities worked to clear the road.

“This follows previous crashes along the highway. Motorists are asked to expect delays,” a statement said.

A driver heading to Auckland told the Herald that he had been in traffic for about an hour and 40 minutes.

“It’s hectic. I come from Hamilton and have been on the road for two hours.”

Waka Kotahi NZTA said there is a detour via SH2 Mangatāwhiri to Okaeria Rd to return to SH1 via Te Kauwhata.

Northbound traffic remains on SH1, but with one lane open.

“Expect long delays or use an alternate route,” drivers are told.

Meanwhile, motorists face a troublesome race in the city this morning after an accident blocked a lane on the Autopista Sur after the Panama Rd bridge.