A major South Auckland highway is closed after a crash this afternoon, which left one person critically injured.

Two people are still trapped in their vehicle and another is fighting for their life after the crash on Karaka Rd, State Highway 22.

The crash on the highway between the Southern Motorway and Pukekohe and Glenbrook happened about 2.25pm, a police spokeswoman said.

“Road closures are in place on SH22 and motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible,” she said.

Emergency services have closed Karaka Rd between Blackridge Rd and the Glenbrook roundabout.

Diversions are in place north of the crash at Karaka Rd and Great South Rd.

The Police Serious Crash Unit has been notified and will be attending.

“Police advise motorists to expect delays in the area this afternoon,” she said.

NZ Transport Agency told motorists to follow the directions of emergency services in the area, “and consider delaying your journey”.

A backlog from the crash was causing delays at the offramps at Great South Rd.