A rāhui has been placed on Whanganui River after a car drove off a bridge into the river killing one.
Police say emergency services were called out to Victoria Avenue Bridge near Anzac Parade just after 12:20am this morning.
The body of a 17-year-old male was found in the vehicle and police say "indications are he was the sole occupant."
The Whanganui District Council says a rāhui has been placed on the river for today and tomorrow and is expected to be lifted on December 27.
Whanganui Coastguard president Garry Hawkins told 1 NEWS they had launched a vessel into the water for a search this morning.
"We were the immediate responder. The Coastguard has now handed it over to the Police Dive Squad.”
Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall spoke to 1 NEWS about the incident today where he praised the community spirit.
"I guess it's a reminder for road safety and to be careful when you're driving. I know the area where the car went off, it has had another car that almost went off about five or six years ago.
"I've heard from several sources that last night when the car did drive off the bridge that hundreds of people gathered around trying to see what they could do to help - and that shows the community spirit - people willing to do that on a Christmas Eve," he said.
Police say they are likely to remain at the scene for some time and one lane of the bridge is currently blocked.
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