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Emergency services responding to a crash near Twizel on Sunday morning.
A car has potentially been located in the waterway below a bridge near Twizel, following a crash, police say.
A major search for the vehicle was under way after the car left the road and went into the canal shortly before 7am.
Coastguard reported a vehicle had potentially been located, police said.
Police were unable to confirm how many people were in the car at the time of the crash.
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The Police National Dive Squad is due to arrive at the crash location around 2.30pm today.
The Dive Squad will receive a briefing from staff who have been involved in the search on Sunday and will then enter the waterway by Ōhau B Canal Bridge.
Police said there wouldn’t be any further updates until the car was located and searched by the Dive Squad.
Police were alerted to the crash at 6.50am on Sunday, and said it appeared the car hit a bridge barrier and went into the water underneath.
An extensive search was launched to locate the car, involving police, Coastguard and FENZ.
Supplied/Stuff
An extensive search is under way to locate the vehicle that went into a canal near Twizel.
Local boaties also been provided help.
A Coastguard spokesperson said Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes, with 6 volunteers onboard, was joined by two other vessels in the search.
“One of these vessels, which belongs to another Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes volunteer, located the car. The Coastguard volunteers are remaining on scene to provide support to the Police and Dive Squad,” the spokesperson said shortly after 1.30pm on Sunday.
Supplied
A car has potentially been located in the waterway below Ōhau B Canal Bridge, following the crash on Sunday morning.
A bystander said two Coastguard boats were being helped by a local yacht club vessel.
“They’re still going up and down the canal looking,” the bystander said at 10am on Sunday.
“As far as I’m aware, the car was travelling south, but I don’t know if it went in on the right or left-hand side.”
Police said one lane of State Highway 8 (Twizel-Ōmarama Road) remained open while the search continued for the car.
However, there would be temporary road closures intermittently to allow a scene examination to take place.
Motorists were thanked in advance for their patience and co-operation.
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