Post-Mortem Completed on Man Found Near Deadly Pipe Bombs on Auckland’s Southern Motorway

A man was found dead near two viable and potentially deadly pipe bombs on Auckland’s Southern Motorway, leading to a major traffic disruption and a police investigation. After completing a post-mortem examination, police have confirmed the man died from self-inflicted injuries and are not treating the incident as a criminal matter.

Counties Manukau CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward stated that the post-mortem indicated the man's death was due to self-inflicted wounds. He emphasized that police are not treating his death or the bombs as criminal acts, and that the investigation at the scene in Highbrook has been completed.

The incident began on Tuesday when the man’s body was discovered around 11:30 a.m., prompting the closure of the southbound lanes of the Southern Motorway and causing significant delays to traffic. Police had to close large sections of the motorway to ensure public safety and preserve the integrity of the scene.

“Given the scene’s proximity to a major state highway, it was imperative that the area was made safe before proceeding,” Hayward said. He confirmed that the pipe bombs were viable and capable of causing death or serious harm. However, thanks to specialist assistance, the devices were safely removed and destroyed.

The Southern Motorway reopened on Tuesday afternoon after the closure of the southbound lanes of SH1 between Princes St East and Highbrook Drive. All lanes on SH1 were reopened by around 3 p.m.

Police have not released further details about the man, as formal identification procedures are still ongoing. Next of kin have been contacted, and police are supporting them through the process.

While the man’s death was ruled self-inflicted, the discovery of the pipe bombs raised concerns about public safety. The incident highlights the importance of emergency response and the challenges faced by police in managing such situations on heavily trafficked highways.

The Southern Motorway remains a crucial artery for Auckland, and such incidents serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and quick action in high-risk scenarios.