A section of Falls Road near the Mahurangi River is flooded over, it is in the area where a person and their vehicle is believed to have been swept into the river Photo: Lucy Xia
A person and their vehicle are missing after being washed out into a river north of Auckland, while trying to cross a ford on the Mahurangi River.
Fire and Emergency were called to the rescue at a river crossing on Falls Road – near the intersection with Woodcocks Road – at about 7.51am on Wednesday.
Warkworth chief fire officer Nick McLean said rain had been heavy and persistent in the area on Wednesday morning, and it was believed the person and their car were swept away by the river’s strength and high waters.
A passenger had been able to get out of the vehicle and raised the alarm, police have confirmed.
At this stage the man and his vehicle are still missing.
Police have stood down their search and will decide whether to continue the search on Thursday.
The Mahuranhi River on Wednesday. Photo: Lucy Xia / RNZ
McLean said about five whitewater rafts had been searching the section of the river from the ford at Mansel Drive to the area around the Mahurangi Hope Church.
Drones had also been deployed and a section of Falls Road has been closed.
A resident near to the scene said flood warning signs had been up in the area.
Dawn Ferguson, who had lived in the area for nearly 50 years, said the crossing can be dangerous.
“When people go to drive straight, but it’s got a curve in the bridge, in the ford, that’s what gets you into danger – because the wheels go off one side, then the flow of the water will just carry them away. “
Ferguson said she was devastated to hear what happened.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said he was alarmed to hear of the disappearance.
“While police, Fire and Emergency and Auckland Emergency Management’s swift water response teams continue the search for the missing man, the incident highlights the importance of staying safe and being prepared. “
Brown said people should listen to Auckland Emergency Management and follow their advice.
McLean said about 20 people were involved in the search on Wednesday, including firefighters, police officers and whitewater rafters.
Police senior sergeant Dean Roberts earlier said they were staying positive during the search.
“We’re always going to be hopeful in these situations, we’re not going to give up, especially for the family.
“We’re in contact with the family and we are providing as much support as we can.”
RNZ understands the missing man is an employee of a nearby greenhouse specialists SPL.
Dawn Ferguson. Photo: Lucy Xia / RNZ
Roberts said finding the man was a priority.
“There’s a road that goes over to Woodcock Road, that has since been flooded over with a stream that’s broke, fast flowing river, and we believe that’s where our start point is,” he said.
“As it’s an ongoing investigation we won’t be able to go into complete details of how it all happened, but that’s where we’re starting from.”
The passenger who escaped the vehicle was helping police with their investigation.
“They’re okay, they’ve been checked by paramedics, and they’re with their family.”
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area, and people should pay close attention to weather warnings in place.
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