Person believed dead after car plunges off wharf

Divers are attempting to recover at least one body from a car that hit two people before plunging off a wharf into Timaru Harbour this afternoon.

Senior sergeant Tony Ellis said one person was believed killed in the incident just after 2pm.

People were on the scene quickly after the car plunged into the harbour, he said.

"One fire officer went in (to the water) because their breathing apparatus will work to a certain depth," Mr Ellis said.

Details were sketchy at this stage.

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said paramedics were treating two people who were hit on the wharf before the car went into the water.

She said three bodies were believed to be still in the car.

No further details were immediately available.

- NZPA