Inquiry into man crushed by 400kg digger

Labour Department occupational safety and health officers are investigating an incident at a central Queenstown worksite yesterday that left a man with serious injuries.

Police said the Delta Utilities employee was working in a trench when he was hit by a 400kg digger bucket that fell from a height of between 5m or 6m.

The man, aged in his mid-20s, received lower leg and head injuries. He was stabilised and taken to Lakes District Hospital by ambulance before being flown to Southland Hospital in Invercargill.

He was reported in a stable condition today.

A Labour Department spokeswoman confirmed today an investigation was under way.

Queenstown Lakes District Council engineering services general manager Mark Kunath said the incident happened at the site where a sewer line was being installed and the council would undertake its own investigation.

Mr Kunath said the worksite was closed last night, but work resumed this morning.

The digger involved had been removed from the site for inspection.

- NZPA