The Northern Motorway has been blocked after a vehicle was stolen from a member of the public in Point Chevalier before fleeing north and colliding with another car on State Highway 1 near Silverdale this afternoon.

The serious crash happened between Oteha and Silverdale. It closed the motorway to northbound traffic and motorists are being warned to expect delays.

Images from the scene show a white van tipped on its side lying near a badly damaged ute. A long line of motorists are sitting stationary behind the crash scene.

A police spokesperson said the Northern Motorway was blocked following a multi-vehicle crash northbound about 2.50pm.

Auckland’s Northern Motorway is closed to northbound traffic after a serious crash between Oteha and Silverdale and motorists are being warned to expect delays.

“Police responded to Point Chevalier after a vehicle was stolen from a member of the public, before continuing to the Northern Motorway where they have been involved in a multi-vehicle crash.

“The road is blocked from Oteha Valley and enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing. The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.”

NZTA Waka Kotahi asks people to avoid the area or consider taking Dairy Flat Highway.

A St John spokesperson said they transported two people to North Shore Hospital in a moderate condition.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they received a call at 3.06pm to a motor vehicle crash on the Northern Motorway.

”We responded with three fire trucks. Upon arrival, we found a two-car motor vehicle crash.”

A witness described seeing two cars involved and one had flipped on its side.

Heavy traffic on SH1 near Silverdale as police close the motorway north of Oteha Valley Rd following a crash. Photo / Waka Kotahi

Heavy traffic on SH1 near Silverdale as police close the motorway north of Oteha Valley Rd following a crash. Photo / Waka Kotahi

More to come.