A car has crashed off the Nayland Rd over bridge, landing on Whakatu Drive early this morning.
The crash was reported to emergency services just before 5am Wednesday morning.
Police say the north-bound Richmond to Nelson lane on Whakatu Drive is now closed until the clean up is finished.
The sole occupant of the car is in serious condition.
Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Simon Lyford says crews were called shortly before 5am.
Appliances from Nelson, Stoke and Richmond were sent.
"Nelson and Richmond are rescue tenders meaning they have the 'jaws of life' and because it was on the motorway, that's why we sent them both," he says.
Simon says at 6.02am the man was finally pulled free and handed over to ambulance staff.
"He was heavily entrapped, when they [fire crews] use the word heavily it means the vehicle is quite compromised and will take a little longer to extricate the person."
Police say delays should be expected travelling between Richmond and Nelson.
