Worker dies when trench collapses

An irrigation worker was crushed to death yesterday when the trench he was working in collapsed.

Rod O'Connor was working in a 2m to 3m deep trench in Oamaru when it collapsed in on him, covering him completely.

Co-workers did everything they could for the KB Irrigation employee.

The 48-year-old was carrying out maintenance on the Airedale Rosebery irrigation scheme when the accident occurred at around noon.

Oamaru police Detective Sergeant Mike Ryder said the conditions of the paddock Mr O'Connor was working in made access for the emergency services difficult.

The ground was extremely wet after heavy recent rain in the area.

Emergency crews were taken to the accident site by four-wheel-drives -- arranged by people working with Mr O'Connor.

Thanks to this there was no delay in fire, ambulance or police crews reaching the trench.

Three other men were working on the site when the accident happened.

They contacted emergency services immediately and worked to free Mr O'Connor while they waited for help to arrive.

Mr Ryder said it took some time for Mr O'Connor to be freed from the earth.

St John district operations manager Terry Kent praised the actions of the people at the scene of the accident, saying the ambulance staff were very pleased to be met with appropriate vehicles to reach the site.

Attempts were made to resuscitate Mr O'Connor but he died at the scene.

Mr O'Connor was married with children.

The Department of Labour started an investigation into the death yesterday.

- OAMARU MAIL