Traffic backing up after car crashes down bank on State Highway 29A near Maungatapu Bridge

Traffic is backing up after a car crashed into a barrier and went into the harbour from State Highway 29A just north of the Maungatapu Bridge.

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said a man had been taken to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition after the crash.

EARLIER:

Police were called to the crash between Truman Lane and the Maungatapu Bridge just before 3pm today.

Police and fire trucks at the crash. Photo / George Novak

A police spokeswoman said earlier a single car in the southbound lane had crashed through a barrier and gone down a bank into the water.

She said emergency services were working to get the person up the bank to receive medical attention.

A helicopter was on standby to help remove the car from the shallow water.

Traffic is backed up. Photo / George Novak

A reporter at the scene said the crash was just north of the Maungatapu Bridge. There were multiple fire, police and ambulance vehicles on the scene.

City-bound traffic was backing up at the Baypark roundabout. Traffic was moving slowly past the scene, which was just after the two lanes merged into one.

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An area of bank has been taped off and firefighters have been seen preparing to absail down the bank.

Emergency services have taped off an area of bank. Photo / George Novak

A St John ambulance said one ambulance crew and manager were on scene.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said it was called to the crash around 3pm.