Man crushed to death in workplace accident

A Nelson man is dead after being crushed as he was unloading wood off his truck yesterday afternoon.

He was 61-year-old Geoffrey Paul Barnes.

Senior Sergeant John Price of Richmond police said about 4pm yesterday Mr Barnes was unloading a truckload of wood in suburban Tahunanui's industrial area when he was caught between the tailgate and the deck of the truck.

He was found shortly afterwards by workmates who tried to resuscitate him without success.

Mr Price said the incident had been referred to the coroner.

Police and Occupational Health and Safety officers were investigating the accident.

- NZPA