Two women killed in multi-vehicle collision on Auckland's Dairy Flat Highway

Around 2.30 pm, a serious crash on Auckland’s Dairy Flat Highway involved two cars and a passing truck, leaving three people trapped in the debris. Police later released the names of the two deceased: Sharron Caitcheon, 66, from Auckland, and Frances Jerome Lyndon, 76, a Queensland, Australia resident. A third occupant was taken to hospital in serious condition, though their status has not been updated.

The accident forced the closure of the rural stretch between Postman and Horseshoe Bush Roads while authorities conducted their investigation. Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that rescuers had to free three individuals from the mangled vehicles, describing the aftermath as “absolute carnage” with cars completely destroyed and debris scattered. No further details on the cause have been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.