Vehicle plunges into Waioeka River in Bay of Plenty: Person missing, two injured

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 crash happened near the Historic Tauranga Bridge over the Waioeka River. Photo / Laura Smith

”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.

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.

Waioeka River. Photo / File

More details to come.