One person is dead and four others have been injured after a car went down a bank in the Bay of Plenty.

Emergency services were called to the crash on Ruatahuna Rd, near Murupara, just before midnight.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Megan Ruru says one person is dead and four others suffered moderate to minor injuries.

She says crews from Murupara, Kawerau and Minginui were called to the crash but radio communications with crews was difficult due to the location.

It was understood a rescue helicopter was also called to the crash.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.