Man killed in farm accident named

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Police have named a contractor killed in a farm accident in North Canterbury yesterday.

Michael James Earl, 36, of Hawarden, a self-employed contractor, was grading tracks on a property in Karaka Road, near Waikari yesterday morning.

He was believed to have been grading uphill before the accident just before 11am, Senior Constable Rob Ellis of Amberley police said.

Mr Earl was found by the owner of the property a short time later, and was pronounced dead at the scene by a local doctor.

Mr Earl's next of kin were told yesterday.

Occupational safety and health investigators from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment are investigating.