Two people have been injured and one person is missing after a car crashed into the Waioeka River in Bay of Plenty.
Emergency services were alerted at about 10.20am a single vehicle had gone down a bank and entered the river near Ōpōtiki between Waioeka Pa and Waiata roads.
Police said two people have been transported to Whakatāne Hospital with moderate injuries.
“One person is currently unaccounted for,” police said.
“Search and rescue teams are searching in the area in an effort to locate the person.”
“Anyone downstream of the Historic Tauranga Bridge should call 111 if they have information that may assist Police.”
State Highway 2 remains closed and motorists were asked to avoid the area and expect delays.
Hato Hone St John sent one ambulance, one rapid response vehicle and two helicopters to the scene.