Five adults and five children have been taken to hospital after a three-car crash west of Auckland.
Police said a vehicle heading north on State Highway 16 near Waimauku crossed the centre line just after 6pm and collided with a minivan, sending it plunging 20 metres down a bank.
An Auckland District Health Board spokesperson said five children were in a stable condition at Starship Hospital and five adults had been admitted to Auckland City Hospital.
Four have serious injuries.
Five ambulances and a rescue helicopter were sent to the scene of the crash.
Part of the highway from the Muriwai turnoff has been closed off and all southbound traffic is being diverted.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
