Multiple crashes block lanes, two dead, others hurt

Two people have died and others injured in crashes in Waikato, Taranaki, Auckland and Southland.

Waikato police said on Sunday morning a person died following a single-vehicle crash on Howden Road, to the west of Hamilton city in Temple View. The crash happened about 8:30pm on Saturday.

Meanwhile, blocked lanes on Auckland's Southwestern Motorway at Onehunga were reopened by 9:30am Sunday, after a collision earlier in the morning that had prompted police to direct northbound drivers to take another route.

Two vehicles were involved in the crash on the State Highway 20 motorway, police said.

One person was killed and two others moderately injured.

Crashes in Southland, Taranaki also reported

In Southland, Winding Creek Road was blocked following a single-vehicle crash between midnight Saturday and 1am Sunday.

Police said injuries were reported, and the Serious Crash Unit was advised.

"Motorists should avoid the road as emergency services work the scene or delay travel. The road is expected to be blocked for most of the day," they said on Sunday

And Invercargill's Leet Street was closed following a single-vehicle crash about 3am on Sunday.

"The Serious Crash Unit has been advised, and the road is expected to remain closed for most of the day while emergency services work at the scene," police said.

"Diversions are in place, and motorists should account for extra travel time."

And in Taranaki, emergency services attended a single-vehicle crash that left State Highway 43/Forgotten World Highway blocked.

The crash happened just before 11.30am.

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