Police were last night scouring the shoreline for a person who was trapped inside a car when it crashed into the Wairoa River.
Two people are believed to have been inside the car when it veered off State Highway 29 on the Lower Kaimai into the river about 7.40pm.
One person in the car was rescued and taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
Sergeant Dan Roser said police were continuing to search, but the road had re-opened.
Another person believed to be inside the car at the time of the crash is still missing.
Police say its dive squad has been notified.