Hours-long wait for hundreds on motorway defended after fatal crash (opens original article in a new tab)

Authorities defended their response to a fatal crash on State Highway 1, which caused hours-long delays as motorways were closed for investigation and cleanup.

• Authorities closed all southbound lanes on State Highway 1 after a fatal crash
• Motorists faced hours-long delays with some abandoning vehicles and walking along the highway
• NZTA confirmed nine vehicles remained on the motorway after the crash, with six collected and three still left