Rescue workers examine the car that crashed into the Waioeka River. Photo / Alan Gibson
Emergency services rescued a woman and two young children with ropes after the car they were in crashed down a steep 15m bank into the Waioeka River yesterday.
Their efforts were hampered by bad weather but two rescue helicopters were able to transport the injured to Tauranga Hospital.
Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot Liam Brettkelly said a 26-year-old Gisborne woman suffered serious head injuries in the crash.
She was last night listed as being in a critical condition.
The third passenger, understood to be an 8-year-old girl, was in a moderate condition last night.
Mr Brettkelly said the children both had head injuries.
The two rescue helicopters - Rotorua BayTrust Rescue Helicopter and the Tauranga-based TECT Trustpower Rescue Helicopter - were unable to reach the crash site due to bad weather and landed at Opotiki Airfield.