Farmer killed after digger rolls

A 59-year-old Taranaki farmer was killed this morning when the digger he was operating rolled and crushed him.

An ambulance spokesman told National Radio that emergency crews were called to a farm near Tongaporutu, a seaside community about 60km north of New Plymouth around 9am.

It appeared the man had been carrying out excavation work when the digger overbalanced.

Occupational Health and Safety inspectors were on their way to the scene to investigate.

- NZPA