xh] Search on for person missing after vehicle plunges down bank
Waioeka River from Oponae Bridge (file image). Photo: Krzysztof Golik
A person is missing, and two people were taken to Whakatāne Hospital with moderate injuries, after a vehicle went down a bank in the Bay of Plenty.
A police spokesperson said the crash happened on State Highway 2, in Ōpōtiki, shortly before 10.20am on Friday.
They said emergency services were alerted that the vehicle had gone down the bank and into the Waioeka River, between Waioeka Pa Road and Waiata Road.
Photo: Supplied / Google Maps
Search and Rescue teams were travelling to the area to join the effort to locate them.
Police said anyone downstream of the historic Tauranga Bridge should call 111 if they have any information that could help, referencing P060175638.
State Highway 2 remains closed this afternoon and traffic management is being put in place.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible and expect delays.