Child crushed to death on sports field

Photo / Northern Advocate

A six-year-old Auckland girl died on a sports field this afternoon, crushed to death apparently by a scrum machine.

The girl died at Auckland's Tamaki College while her family was enjoying a touch tournament.

A Northern communications spokesman declined to say what the sporting equipment was but TV3 News said the girl was killed by a scrum machine.

The girl suffered extensive injuries and ambulance personnel were unable to revive her.

"Family members at the scene are understandably very distraught by the tragic circumstances," police said.

The Labour Department and police would investigate.

The girl's family had asked for privacy during their grieving period.

A St John Ambulance spokesman said the girl was dead when they arrived at the scene.

- NZPA