Person killed, Tamaki Drive closed after fiery crash between bus and car

5:07 pm on 23 October 2025

A major provider for buses in Auckland has confirmed one of its drivers died in a serious crash overnight.

The driver died after their electric bus collided with a car on Tamaki Drive at around 9pm on Wednesday.

The managing director for bus operator Kinetic, Calum Haslop said his thoughts were with the driver's family, friends and colleagues.

He said Kinetic was working with authorities who were investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency confirmed the fire started in the car's engine.

"A fire started in the engine of the petrol vehicle, which then spread to the bus," they said.

"We are unable to provide any further comments at this stage, as investigations into the incident are ongoing."

Haslop said the batteries in the bus were undamaged and didn't contribute to the blaze.

Earlier, the union for public transport staff said the person who died in the crash was the bus driver.

A key Auckland road was also closed after the fiery crash involving one of the city's electric buses.

The incident led to a major emergency response.

Emergency services at scene of fatal electric bus crash in Auckland

Emergency services near the scene of the crash. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Fire and Emergency sent 10 appliances and St John deployed three ambulances.

Tamaki Drive was closed on Thursday after a bus and car collided and both vehicles caught fire.

Tamaki Drive was closed on Thursday after a bus and car collided and both vehicles caught fire. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Both vehicles caught fire, with Auckland Transport calling it a serious and distressing incident.

The area could remain hazardous because of the bus' battery, police said.

Scene in Auckland of electric bus crash with car

There are warnings of congestion and delays in the area this morning. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

AT said on Thursday Tamaki Drive remained closed between Ngapipi Road and The Strand.

The stretch of road was likely to stay shut during the morning, and AT warned of what would likely be heavy congestion.

"We will work closely with our operator, NZ police and Fire and Emergency NZ to understand what has happened and provide whatever support is needed," AT's public transport director Stacey van der Putten said.

AT said protest action would add to the congestion.

Tamaki Drive bus crash in Auckland

Tamaki Drive remains empty in the hours after the crash. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Transport during the road closure

Drivers were advised to expect significant delays travelling to the city centre and on State Highway 1 today and should consider delaying journeys or avoiding travel to the city centre where possible, Auckland Transport said.

Fire engine at scene of Tamaki Drive bus crash in Auckland

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Eastern line trains are running but the footpath and cycleway are closed.

Bus routes 76, 774, 775, TMK are detouring via Orakei Road, Shore Road and Parnell Road.

Freight access to the port at Solent Street remains open.