Man critical after 'workplace accident' at Pukepine in Te Puke

Pukepine Sawmills in Te Puke. Photo / Google Maps

A man is in a critical condition after an incident at a Pukepine Sawmill in Te Puke.

A police spokeswoman said police were on the scene on Jellicoe St just after 3pm.

"There are reports of a workplace accident and WorkSafe has been advised," she said.

Pukepine Sawmill general manager Jeff Tanner said he was getting a flight back from Queenstown first thing in the morning to make sure the staff were okay and everything was handled properly.

He said he also wanted to wish the man who was injured all the best, along with his family.

Because the incident was under investigation, Tanner said he was unable to say much more.

A St John spokeswoman said one person was critically injured and was being taken by ambulance to Tauranga Hospital.

The person was transferred to hospital just before 4pm, said the police spokeswoman.

Fire also attended the incident.

A Bay of Plenty Times reporter said an ambulance left Pukepine Sawmills with its lights on.

A Pukepine spokesman said it was too early to comment.

A WorkSafe New Zealand spokeswoman confirmed they had been notified and were making inquiries.