Attributable to Senior Sergeant Roger Schreuder, Bay of Plenty Police:
Police can confirm a body has been recovered from the water following a crash in Tauranga overnight.
Emergency services were called to Chapel Street about 12:40am to reports of a vehicle entering the water.
The driver of the vehicle made his way out of the water and was taken to hospital. However, further enquiries determined that there was a female passenger in the car, who did not re-surface.
A emergency response was launched, including contacting the Police Dive Squad who are expected to arrive this afternoon.
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.
Police remain at the scene making enquiries. This includes a scene examination, and forensic examination and recovery of the vehicle from the water, which the Dive Squad will 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.
Police will be speaking further with the driver of the vehicle as part of our enquiries.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre