Farmer killed in digger accident

A 63-year-old south Waikato farmer was killed when the digger he was operating rolled down a bank, coming to rest just metres from train tracks.

Police and emergency services were called to the accident near State Highway 30 at Kopaki, south of Te Kuiti, about 2.45pm.

A Department of Labour spokesman said the digger had come to rest a few metres from train tracks.

Trains in the area have been slowed due to the accident, while heavy machinery will be required to remove the digger.