Injured forestry worker improving

A forestry worker seriously injured by a rolling log in a forestry accident near Nelson yesterday is improving.

The victim understood to have head injuries was one three workers injured after a dislodged log rolled down a hill and struck them early yesterday morning.

The men aged 24 years, 30 years and 35 years were all from the Wakefield area southwest of Nelson. They were flown to Nelson Hospital by rescue helicopter after the accident at a remote site on Spur Rd, in the Golden Downs forestry area.

Two of the men were later discharged.

Nelson Marlborough District Health Board media and communications advisor Katherine Rock said today the third man remained in a serious but improving condition.

A spokesman for Summit rescue helicopter said it was believed the workers were walking down a steep hill block when they were hit about 7.50am by a log which had rolled down the hill.

"There was no apparent reason for the tree to become dislodged as the equipment for the day's operation had not been started," he said.

The Department of Labour is now investigating the accident.

- NZPA