One person is missing after a vehicle crashed into a Bay of Plenty river this morning.
Emergency services were alerted that a vehicle had gone down a bank into the Waioeka River, between Waioeka Pa Rd and Waiata Rd, about 10.20am.
Police said two people have been taken to Whakatāne Hospital with moderate injuries and one person was currently unaccounted for.
Search and Rescue teams are looking for the person.
A Motu River Jet boat from Ōpōtiki has been assisting with the search since about 11am.
The operator, who did not want to be named, said he helped bring people across the river.
”The car’s in the water and there were people across the river so [I have been] basically assisting in bringing people back to shore.”
He said search and rescue teams were preparing to work after dark.
SH2 WAIOEKA GORGE - ROAD CLOSED
— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) October 3, 2024
Due to a serious crash just south of Waiata Rd (Oponae Bridge) #SH2 between Opotiki & Gisborne is CLOSED. Delay your journey or follow directions of response crews in the area: https://t.co/4U7P8uLObx ^TP pic.twitter.com/FDMFasd6Xc
Anyone downstream of the Historic Tauranga Bridge should call 111 if they have information that may help police.
Please reference P060175638.
State Highway 2 remains closed to allow emergency services to attend, please avoid the area and expect delays.
More details to come.
Over 10,000 vehicles use the bridge daily, including nearly 1000 trucks.
