Dozens of people stopped what they were doing to help after a car plunged into Tauranga Harbour. Photo / Kiri Gillespie
About 20 people dived into Tauranga Harbour in a desperate rescue attempt after a car plunged into the water and began sinking fast with people inside, witnesses say.
Police have confirmed one person died at the scene of the incident on Chapel St, which was first reported just after 5pm. A St John ambulance spokeswoman said three others were injured and treated at the scene.
The incident happened at the traffic lights at the turnoff into the shops. The road is still closed, as of 7.30pm, and police have asked the public to stay away.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said a three-vehicle crash had been reported, with one vehicle "submerged" in the water.
Witness Errol Hodgson told the Bay of Plenty Times he was driving home from work when he saw two vehicles crash at the Chapel St lights then a third, an SUV, come "out of nowhere".
"The SUV went up over the island and straight over the edge [into the water].
"It went down real fast.
"I stopped here [about 20m away] and ran over there. The rear window was disappearing.