Passengers trapped after car crashes down bank

File photo / NZ Herald

A car has gone off a road and down a bank in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and people are believed to be trapped inside.

Fire Service spokesman Paul Radden said a specialist rescue unit was on its way to the crash off Waioeka Road, inland from Opotiki.

People were believed to be trapped inside the vehicle, Mr Radden said, and the rescue unit had cutting equipment with them.

More information was expected once emergency services were at the scene.