Child dead in Tauranga crash

The scene of a serious crash at Oropi. Photo/George Novak

UPDATE 9.10pm:A child is dead following a serious crash in Tauranga south tonight.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Megan Ruru said the car had ended up in a paddock after hitting a power pole. She said it appeared a small child was trapped in the car.

The child was removed to an ambulance for medical treatement but had subsequently died, Ms Ruru said.

8.56pm: Emergency services had confirmed one person has died at the scene of a serious crash in Oropi, Tauranga, tonight.

The New Zealand Fire Service confirmed one person had died in the crash. Further detail was unavailable at this stage, including whether the deceased was a baby.

8.40pm: Police have released a statement confirming they are at a serious crash on Oropi Road near Castle Road, Tauranga.

The road is currently closed as emergency services continue to deal with the situation.

Police advise residents wishing to get to 740 Oropi Rd or above should travel via Pyes Pa Road. No further information is available at this time.

A witness at the scene told bayofplentytimes.co.nz she could see emergency services working on two people in a paddock where a car had stopped after crashing into a power pole.

It is understood a baby is one of the patients.

EARLIER: Power is out in Ohauiti and Oropi tonight following a crash.

Emergency services are responding to a report of a car colliding with a power pole, bringing down live lines on Oropi Rd, near Castles Rd.

It is understood a person is trapped inside the car.

Powerco listed the outage at 7.46pm with an estimated restoration of 4.30am.