A search and rescue operation is underway after a car crashed into the Awakino River on Monday.
Police were told just after 6pm that a car had crashed at a bend on State Highway 3 near the Awakino Tunnel - about an hour and a half northeast of New Plymouth - and had gone into the river.
They say a man was reported to have gone into the water along with the vehicle.
Another man who was in the car escaped and was able to contact police.
Police are asking people travelling in the area who may have seen anything unusual to contact them.
