WorkSafe investigates death of a man at quarry

A man has died following an incident at a Tauranga Quarry. Photo/John Borren

WorkSafe is investigating the death of a truck driver at a Tauranga quarry today.

Police, ambulance and firefighters were called to Tauranga Quarries Ltd on Kaitemako Rd, Welcome Bay, just before 2pm after a truck and trailer unit had rolled in the quarry.

Police confirmed the driver of the J Swap Contractors unit had died at the scene following reports the driver had been trapped.

A statement issued by police said emergency services received a report that a truck and trailer unit had rolled while emptying gravel.

Industry sources told the Bay of Plenty Times that a truck brought metal down from the quarry to be put through the crusher, while road trucks took crushed metal from the site to customers.

A security firm was guarding the quarry entrance and police vehicles were seen coming and going from the quarry during the afternoon.

Police said in a media statement that the family had been advised.

"A Serious Crash Unit investigation will be conducted, and WorkSafe [New Zealand] have been advised," the statement said.

A WorkSafe spokesman said WorkSafe had been notified of the incident and was making initial inquiries.

Fire and Emergency communications shift manager Paul Radden said the truck had been carrying aggregate and firefighting rescue equipment was needed.

"Specialist crews went out there with rescue equipment to assist with the incident," Mr Radden said.

Firefighters were helped by the regional incident support vehicle that contained extra rescue equipment appropriate for crashes involving heavy trucks.

Tauranga Quarries Ltd and Ian Wilson, a member of the J Swap Contractors management team, declined to comment. Mr Wilson is also on the executive of the New Zealand Road Transport Association for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Two years ago a 24-year-old man died after he became trapped under a 45-tonne rock cutter at Oropi Quarries in McPhail Rd.