A mobility scooter rider has been taken to hospital after crashing off the road and into the water in Tauranga.

A Police statement said emergency services were advised about 2.30pm that a mobility scooter had entered the water off Chapel St.

“The person riding, an older man, was taken to hospital by ambulance for medical attention for cuts to his hand, foot and head.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand had helped retrieve the scooter, which would be returned to the man’s home.

Images from the scene show emergency services on the rocks sloping down from Chapel St to the Waikareao Estuary.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they received a report of “a scooter off the road in Tauranga”.

“We responded with one fire truck from the Tauranga station, and are there at present, assisting police and ambulance with one person.”

A SunLive reader at the scene said earlier traffic was backing up along Chapel St.

“One lane is closed because there is a fire truck and police there. The lane heading towards Matua just past the traffic lights is closed.”

Hato Hone St John was notified of an incident on Chapel St, Tauranga, at 2.30pm.

“One ambulance responded and is transporting one patient, in moderate condition, to Tauranga Hospital,” it said.

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz