Pedestrian and driver killed in separate incidents in Auckland

Two people have been killed in two different incidents on the roads of Auckland this morning.

Emergency services were called to a section of Mill Rd, in Helensville, after a pedestrian was reported to have been struck by a vehicle around 5.30 a.m.

A Northern Fire Communications spokesman said the person was initially in critical condition.

But police later confirmed that the pedestrian had died at the scene.

The incident occurred on Mill Rd in Helensville and saw the partial closure of the road between Parkhurst Rd and Pūriri St.

The Serious Accident Unit of the Police has been notified.

On the other side of town, on the south freeway after the Ellerslie-Panmure freeway, a serious accident was reported at 8.10am

The Waka Kotahi NZ Transportation Agency issued an alert saying the accident was blocking two lanes.

People in the area were told to delay their travels and to expect delays in both directions.

Motorists in the area were also encouraged to consider using SH20, via the Waterview Tunnel, as an alternative route between the city and Manukau.

Just before 1pm, police told the Herald in a statement: “We can confirm that one person has died after the previous incident this morning.

“At this stage, the driver is believed to have suffered a medical event and sadly passed away at the scene.”

The incidents are among several accidents and breakdowns that hit Auckland’s motorway network earlier today.

Transportation authorities reported an accident on the Northwest Highway shortly before 9:30 a.m. M. The accident occurred near the St Lukes Rd bridge.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution while emergency services respond to the incident.

“Go both ways carefully and expect delays.”

Previously, a northbound fault on the Auckland Harbor Bridge also led to delays after it was first reported at 8.55am. M.

However, it cleared at 9.10am.

Just before 10 a.m. M., The Auckland Highways Traffic Panel reported that it took about an hour to get from Albany to Manukau, via the SH18 / 16/20.

That trip normally takes about half an hour, transport authorities say.