River crossing rescue: People trapped on flooded car in rural Hawke’s Bay

A car trying to cross the Tutaekuri River got into trouble on Thursday. Photo / Google Maps

Rescuers have helped four people trapped on a vehicle that became stuck and flooded while trying to cross a rural Hawke’s Bay river on Thursday.

Police said three adults and one child were retrieved from the Tūtaekurī River near Dampney Road at Waiwhare, Hastings, after a call for help about 11.50am.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said the four were trapped on the vehicle but were pulled from it without significant incident or injury.

It’s understood the rescuers were line workers in the area who waded into the water before emergency services arrived.

Police and a rescue helicopter were at the scene to assess the condition of those rescued.