A body has been found inside of a van which crashed into the Kawarau River near Queenstown yesterday.
Motorists found debris on the side of State Highway 6 near the Victoria Flats Bridge about 6.40pm yesterday.
A van was later found partially submerged in the Kawarau River, about 30km from Queenstown.
Police said officers secured the vehicle by wire rope and a scene guard was in place overnight.
Police returned to the scene this morning to look to recover the vehicle and an investigation is under way to determine who was in the vehicle. At this stage the occupants remain unaccounted for.
The van was recovered today, and a dive squad was sent to search for any occupants.
Police said they had not yet formally identified the body and were carrying out further inquiries.
The Coroner has been notified.
Source: rnz.co.nz Republished by arrangement.