Man missing after car swept away in flooded river north of Auckland

A man and his vehicle remain missing after being swept into a river north of Auckland while trying to cross a flooded ford during heavy rain.

Emergency services were called to a river crossing on Falls Road, near the intersection with Woodcocks Road in Warkworth, early on Wednesday.

RNZ reported that Warkworth chief fire officer Nick McLean said rain had been heavy and persistent in the area, and it was believed the man and his car were swept away by the river’s strength and high water levels.

Police have confirmed that a passenger was able to get out of the vehicle and raise the alarm. But the driver remains missing.

Police have since stood down the search and will decide whether it will continue on Thursday.

According to RNZ, McLean said about five whitewater rafts were used to search the section of river from the ford at Mansel Drive to the area around Mahurangi Hope Church. Drones were also deployed, and a section of Falls Road has been closed.

Omaunu Road in Kāeo is passable only to four-wheel-drives or other high vehicles. Photo/RNZ/Peter de Graaf

A resident who lives near the scene said flood warning signs had been up in the area.

RNZ quoted local resident Dawn Ferguson, who has lived in the area for nearly 50 years, as saying 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.”

A section of Falls Road near the Mahurangi River is flooded over, and is in the area where a man and his vehicle is believed to have been swept into the river. Photo/RNZ/Lucy Xia

Ferguson said she was devastated to hear what had happened.

In comments reported by RNZ, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said he was alarmed by 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 its advice.

RNZ also reported that about 20 people were involved in the search on Wednesday, including firefighters, police officers and whitewater rafters.

Police Senior Sergeant Dean Roberts, in comments reported by the state broadcaster, said officers were remaining hopeful. “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.”

It is understood that the missing man is an employee of a nearby greenhouse business. Police have not released his name.

Authorities continue to urge people not to attempt to drive through flooded roads or river crossings, as conditions can change quickly and become life-threatening.