Viable Pipe Bombs Found Near Body on Auckland Southern Motorway, Leading to Major Closure

A section of Auckland’s Southern Motorway was closed for hours on Tuesday after police discovered viable pipe bombs near the body of a man found on a walkway adjacent to State Highway 1 in Highbrook. The devices, which were confirmed to be capable of causing death or serious injury, were safely removed and destroyed by specialist units.

The body was discovered around 11:30 AM on Tuesday, prompting an immediate closure of the southbound lanes of the motorway and causing significant delays for commuters. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward of the Counties Manukau Crime and Intelligence Branch confirmed that a post-mortem examination of the man’s body was ongoing and expected to be completed by the afternoon of Tuesday.

“Further specialist examination of two devices recovered near the man’s body has now been completed,” Hayward said. “From this examination, police can confirm both devices were, in fact, viable pipe bombs. These devices would have been capable of causing death or serious injury to any individual in proximity.”

Authorities emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety and securing the scene before resuming normal traffic operations. The motorway was reopened just before 3:00 PM, though traffic had already begun to build up on the southbound lanes as drivers sought alternate routes.

The closure disrupted rush hour traffic, with many drivers expressing frustration on social media. One commuter shared, “Has anyone actually got home? I’ve been driving from Greenlane to Takanini since 1.30 PM ... and I’m still 40 minutes away.”

Police have not yet released details about the man’s identity or the circumstances surrounding his death. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have reiterated that there is no longer a risk to the public.

While the discovery of the pipe bombs highlights a serious threat to public safety, the swift response by police and their specialist units ensured the area was made safe without any further incidents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by unsecured explosive devices and the importance of immediate action in such scenarios.