A horror crash believed to be caused by boy racers in Auckland overnight has put a car load of people in hospital

A Mazda Demio collided with a traffic light on Allens Road in East Tamaki around midnight.

Several people had to be cut from the wreckage by fire crews and taken to Middlemore Hospital.

St John says four patients were treated - one in a critical condition, one serious and two with moderate injuries.

Police say speed and inexperience caused the crash, and have reminded people to drive safely in the wet weather.