The body of a female passenger has been recovered after a car crashed into water in Tauranga early this morning.
Officers were called to reports of a vehicle entering the water off Chapel Street, near the Bay Central shopping centre shortly after 12.30am.
In an update this afternoon, Bay of Plenty Senior Sergeant Roger Schreuder confirmed the driver of the vehicle made his way out of the water and was taken to hospital. However, his female passenger had not re-surfaced.
"Police’s thoughts are with the family of the female passenger. Family members organised their own divers to recover their loved one, and her body was recovered shortly after 8am today," he said.
Schreuder said officers would remain at the site for the scene examination, forensic examination and recovery of the vehicle from the water, which the police dive squad would assist with.
"Chapel Street will be closed for parts of today until around 5pm as this process – which will include removing the car from the water - is ongoing. Motorists are asked to expect delays and take alternate routes if possible," he added.
Police would also be speaking further with the driver of the vehicle as part of inquiries.
Earlier, St John said it sent two ambulances and an operations manager to the scene.
One patient in a moderate condition was transferred to hospital.
People are asked to avoid the area, and take the alternative route through Brookfield.
The road will be closed from the SH2 intersection, near the Harbour Bridge, through to Maxwells Road.
Access to Bay Central Shopping Centre will be via Pitt Street, off Marsh Street.
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