Stolen Car Fuels Head-On Crash on Northern Motorway

Two Seriously Injured in Early Morning Collision

A reckless act of driving a stolen vehicle resulted in a severe head-on collision on Auckland’s Northern Motorway this morning, leaving two people with serious injuries.

Vehicular Rampage Ends in Collision

The incident occurred around 6:20 AM near the Wainui off-ramp. A Toyota Aqua, allegedly driven by a youth, entered the motorway against the flow of traffic. The vehicle travelled approximately 50 metres before impacting an unsuspecting motorist.

Inspector **Danny Meade** stated, “The car travelled roughly 50 metres before it collided with an unsuspecting member of the public, who effectively had no time to react.” The collision necessitated a two-hour closure of the motorway, causing significant disruption.

Police Pursuit Avoided, Monitoring Ensued

Police had been alerted to the stolen vehicle after it was taken from a Constellation Drive address overnight. The car was later spotted in Westgate. The Eagle helicopter observed the vehicle as it travelled along SH18 and onto the Northern Motorway.

Despite police signaling the driver to stop near Oteha Valley Road, the vehicle reportedly accelerated away. Officers on the ground were preparing spike strips, but the driver inexplicably turned the wrong way onto the motorway.

“It is incredible that nobody died.”

—Inspector Danny Meade

The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, and the motorway was reopened by approximately 8:15 AM. According to the New Zealand Transport Agency, the Northern Motorway is a critical arterial route, carrying an average of over 50,000 vehicles per day in sections. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with charges being considered against the youth allegedly driving the stolen car.