Five people were injured in a serious crash near the University of Auckland in central Auckland today.
Police said the crash on Symonds St was reported just after midday.
“At this early stage it appears a vehicle has collided with a tree and a pedestrian.
“One person was transported to hospital in a critical condition and four others suffered moderate to minor injuries,” police said.
St John said three people were taken to Auckland City Hospital while a fourth was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Five were injured, one critically, in the crash on Symonds St reported just after midday. (Source: 1News)
A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, told 1News that the car left the road and drove along the footpath for about 20m.
“A girl was trapped under the car and had to be rescued.”
They also said the car tried to turn back onto the road at the lights but hit the tree instead.
Stephen Dimapalis, a university student who saw the crash, said he heard a “big bang” and turned around to see two people on the ground.
“I was so terrified; I was out of it.”
There were around 100 people on the footpath when the crash happened, he said.
Police said it was “aware of speculations surrounding the cause of the crash”.
“This remains under investigation, however at this early stage we believe drugs or alcohol may have been a factor.”
Symonds St is closed between Wellesley St and Grafton Rd with diversions in place.
The serious crash unit is on scene.
Auckland Transport advised that several bus routes had been detoured as a result of the crash but since returned to normal: 101, 27H, 27T, 27W, 70, 70H, 72X, and the Outer Link.
Auckland University took to social media to advise students to “please follow police instructions in the area”.
“We know that incidents like this can be upsetting, especially for those who were witnesses, and want to make sure everyone in our community feels supported,” a post shared to Facebook and Instagram read.
A list of helplines was provided for distressed staff and students seeking help.
In a statement this afternoon, a spokesperson for the university told 1News it was aware of a “serious incident involving a car and pedestrians on Symonds Street outside the University of Auckland’s Engineering Building and opposite Hiwa Recreation Centre”.
“The University is offering support to staff and students affected.”