Arm hurt in machine

A maintenance worker whose arm was crushed in a machine at a meat processing plant yesterday told rescuers how to free him.

Tony Healey's right arm became trapped as he did routine work at the Affco plant in Gonville about 2pm.

Wanganui police duty Sergeant Colin Wright said the 48-year-old was trapped for half an hour before being discovered but was "remarkably relaxed" when emergency services arrived.

"He was able to explain what they needed to do to free him."

The Fire Service freed Healey before he was taken to hospital with crush injuries and fractures to his arm.

Healy was being operated on last night and was due to be transferred to Wanganui Hospital's critical care unit.

The Department of Labour has been notified.