Updated: 3pm. Bad weather in the Waioeka Gorge has stopped two rescue helicopters reaching the scene of a serious crash in the gorge.

A small hatchback with a woman and two children on board crashed 15 metres down a bank into the river about 11.30am today.

The Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter is in Opotiki

Poor visibility in drizzle and low cloud has seen the helicopters diverted to Opotiki Airfield. The crash victims have now been roped out of the river bed on stretchers. They will be transported by ambulance to Opotiki and flown to hospital from there.

The police update at 2.30pm had no updates on the condition of the victims, but earlier reports say the woman is seriously injured. The two children are less seriously injured.

'Emergency services are at the scene and woman has now been extracted from the car and is in serious condition,” says an earlier statement from police.

'The children have less serious injuries. A helicopter is en-route to the scene to airlift lift the victims to hospital as the scene is remote.

The serious crash unit has been called to the scene and is investigating the circumstances of the crash.