Kawerau is in mourning today following the deaths of two of its young people in a tragic accident at Tarawera River.

Emergency services were called to Boyce Park on River Road yesterday at around 11.30am after a report of a group of young people becoming stuck under a bank.

Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks said a group of children had been fishing and playing on the northern side of the river, when the bank collapsed, trapping two of the children underneath.

Two police officers on arrival swam across the river and attempted to locate and dig for the boys with their bare hands.

They were soon joined by volunteer fire brigade staff who roped down the cliff area with equipment.

Tragically, two Kawerau boys - aged 10 and 12 - were located deceased.

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand lifeguards in an IRB assisted emergency services to bring the boys and rescue personnel back across the river where they were met by grieving whānau.

“I am extremely proud of the two police staff and the local volunteer fire brigade staff who did everything they could to locate the victims in perilous circumstances.

"This was extremely tragic and sad, and we feel for the families.

"We have returned the bodies of victims to their whanau,” said Inspector Gillbanks.

The deaths have been referred to the Coroner and local kaumatua have performed karakia and placed a rahui on the Tarawera River.

Yesterday afternoon, there were about 35 people believed to be family and friends in the cordoned-off area near the river awaiting the recovery of the boys.

Emotions were high at the scene as a hearse arrived. People were hugging, some were crying; others looked on in silence.

A Kawerau man who did not want to be named told the Beacon the young people had been climbing the bank of a popular swimming hole that collapsed, trapping two of them.

In a statement, Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui has extended her love and condolences to the grieving whānau.

“As a community we acknowledge the devastating loss of these two young people, and extend our deepest sympathies to both families and loved ones.  

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare.

“Our community will offer aroha (love) and tautoko (support) to the families in any way they can.”

The tragedy evoked a large response from emergency services.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand sent two crews from Kawerau and two from Edgecumbe, “approximately 15 firefighters”.

Hato Hone St John sent an ambulance, first response unit, operations manager, rapid response unit and rescue helicopter.

Emergency ambulance crews assessed three people in a minor condition at the scene.

Surf Lifesaving NZ eastern region manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell said a team of four from the Western Bay of Plenty SAR squad assisted in the operation. "They have been down there with an IRB.

“Our condolences to the family at this time,” Mr Gibbons-Campbell said.

 Motu River Jet owner-operator Mark Looney said he was called to the scene for the use of the company’s boat. He remained there on standby as an IRB was already involved.

 Inspector Gillbanks said the deaths had been referred to the coroner.