By James Ball, Digital Reporter
12:53pm

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.


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.


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: 101, 27H, 27T, 27W, 70, 70H, 72X, and the Outer Link.


The University of Auckland has been contacted for comment.

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