Pukete Bridge, Hamilton: Car crash

At about 8:20pm a vehicle travelling Eastbound on Wairere Drive, Hamilton lost control crashing through the Pukete Bridge steel railing and plunging into the Waikato River.

The vehicle has sunk in the river and is no longer visible.

The vehicle at this stage has not yet been identified. Police do not know the description of the vehicle nor how many people were in the vehicle at the time it left the bridge.

Although initial reports were that one person had escaped from the vehicle, this appears not to be the case.

A search by Police and Fire Service staff of the banks in the area have not located anyone or any sign of a person leaving the river.

The Police boat assisted the search but was unable to locate any people from the vehicle or the position of the vehicle itself.

The Serious Crash Unit have started an investigation into the crash.

The Police national dive squad has been advised and they will be attending the scene on Thursday morning.

Police are seeking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have any information regarding it to contact the Hamilton Police Station.

The bridge will be reopened to traffic during the night and be fully open for morning traffic.

ENDS