Update, 4.30pm:  One person is missing after a vehicle crashed into a Bay of Plenty river this morning.

Emergency services were alerted that a vehicle had gone down a bank into the Waioeka River, between Waioeka Pa Rd and Waiata Rd, about 10.20am.

Police said two people have been taken to Whakatāne Hospital with moderate injuries and one person was currently unaccounted for.

Search and Rescue teams are looking for the person.

A Motu River Jet boat from Ōpōtiki has been assisting with the search since about 11am.

The operator, who did not want to be named, said he helped bring people across the river.

”The car’s in the water and there were people across the river so [I have been] basically assisting in bringing people back to shore.”

He said search and rescue teams were preparing to work after dark.

Anyone downstream of the Historic Tauranga Bridge should call 111 if they have information that may help police.

Please reference P060175638.

State Highway 2 remains closed to allow emergency services to attend, please avoid the area and expect delays.

The Police have confirmed that a car crashed near the Tauranga Historical Bridge over the Waioeka River on State Highway Two. Photo/ Social Nature Movement.

Update, 2pm: Two people have been transported to Whakatane Hospital with moderate injuries following a crash on State Highway Two by Opotiki.

One person is currently unaccounted for.

A vehicle has crashed into a Bay of Plenty river and people are unaccounted for.

Emergency services were alerted about 10.20 am that a single vehicle had gone down a bank and entered the Waioeka River between Waioeka Pa Road and Waiata Road.

One person reportedly has serious injuries, police said.

Two people were unaccounted for, and Search and Rescue teams had travelled to the area to join the effort to find them.

Anyone downstream of the Historic Tauranga Bridge should call 111 if they have information that may assist Police.

Please reference P060175638.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they were notified of a motor vehicle incident in Waioeka about 10.10am, ust south of Waiata Road (Oponae Bridge).

One ambulance is at the scene so far.

State Highway 2 is currently closed and traffic management is being arranged. Motorists should expect delays.

NZTA Waka Kotahi advise motorists to be prepared for a long detour via Taupo and Napier, using SH2, SH5, SH30, SH2).

The road will be closed until further notice.

At the scene?

Please phone 0800 SUNLIVE (0800 7865483) or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz

SH2 WAIOEKA GORGE - ROAD CLOSED
Due to a serious crash just south of Waiata Rd (Oponae Bridge) #SH2 between Opotiki & Gisborne is CLOSED. Delay your journey or follow directions of response crews in the area: https://t.co/4U7P8uLObx ^TP pic.twitter.com/FDMFasd6Xc

— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) October 3, 2024