Auckland's Tāmaki Dr to remain closed tonight after horror bus crash

Auckland's Tāmaki Dr was expected to remain closed this evening after last night's horror collision between an electric bus and a car, which killed a bus driver.

The head-on crash at 9.20pm caused both vehicles to catch fire near Mechanics Bay.

Auckland Transport (AT) public transport director Stacey van der Putten said it had been a "tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of life of a valued bus driver who was providing a service for Aucklanders."

Deputy mayor Desley Simpson also gave her condolences.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to them, and their family. Everyone goes to work expecting to come home again safely, so this comes as a huge shock to many."

Reopening Tāmaki Dr was "complex due to the removal of the vehicles and ensuring the road surface is safe to reopen," an AT spokesperson said this afternoon in an update.

"Road maintenance crews are on standby to help repair any damage to the road."

The transport agency said it was "hopeful this can be achieved ahead of the Friday morning peak travel period, however, this is dependent on a number of factors, and public and road safety will not be compromised."

"It is likely this closure will extend into this evening. We will update the public once the road reopens," a police spokesperson said.

Police thanked "the community for their ongoing understanding and patience."

Motorists and bus passengers are advised to expect significant delays during the evening peak and should consider alternative routes and avoid travel where possible.

Simpson, who is the Ōrākei councillor, said there would be "many learnings about how this incident was responded to, including communication and traffic management."

"I believe we can do better and have had some conversations to that effect already.

"Traffic build-up is still heavy around suburban streets. Please be patient. Those directly involved are working as fast as they can," she said.

Meanwhile, earlier today, bus operator Kinetic said a probe found the fire originated from the car involved, and the bus's batteries were "undamaged" and not a factor in the blaze.

Workers First Union confirmed the death of the bus driver earlier today in a statement.

"We want to send our heartfelt condolences to the driver’s family and ask for privacy and sensitivity while the facts are being gathered about the circumstances leading to this devastating accident," said general secretary Dennis Maga.

The union said it was in contact with Kinetic and would provide further details when possible. The driver had not yet been named.

"It’s a tragedy when any person dies in their place of work," Maga said.

"Even more so when they are providing a public service to their community as Auckland’s bus drivers do every day. Their work keeps our city moving, and this loss will be felt widely among drivers.

"We want to offer our support to the driver’s family and colleagues, and will work cooperatively with authorities to understand how this accident happened and what the next steps will be."

Earlier, police said another person suffered serious injuries in the incident and was taken to the hospital.

"All road users are asked to avoid the area and seek an alternative route while the scene is cleared," police said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it was alerted to the crash shortly after 9pm.

Around 16 fire trucks attended to extinguish the fire, along with several support vehicles.

As of 3am, two trucks remained at the scene.

Van der Putten said earlier today that the crash was "very distressing for all involved".

"We will work closely with our operator, NZ Police and Fire and Emergency NZ to understand what has happened and provide whatever support is needed,” she said.

"While the investigation continues this morning, there will be road closures and public transport diversions that will impact people’s journeys today, and we appreciate our customers’ patience while this takes place.”

Kinetic said it was a "deeply felt loss for all of us".

"Our team is supporting one another as we come to terms with the news, and additional support is available for those who need it."

The operator said it was working closely with authorities as the investigation into the crash continued.

"The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority. Our buses, including our battery-operated buses, are operated and maintained to the strictest safety standards, and our drivers are highly trained to handle all situations safely."

Tāmaki Dr remains closed between Ngapipi Rd and The Strand.

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes (including Shore Rd, Remuera Rd or State Highway 1) to access the city from the Eastern Suburbs.

Motorists were advised to expect significant delays travelling to the city centre and on State Highway 1 today and should consider delaying journeys or avoiding travel to the city centre where possible.

Eastern line trains were running, however, the footpath and cycleway along Tāmaki Dr were closed.

Bus routes 76, 774, 775, TāmakiLink are detouring via Orakei Rd, Shore Rd and Parnell Rd.

Freight access to the port at Solent Street remained open.