Man dies after 'work place accident' at Te Puke sawmill

A man in his 40s who suffered critical injuries following an incident at a Pukepine Sawmill in Te Puke has died.

A WorkSafe New Zealand spokeswoman said WorkSafe was notified of an incident at the sawmill on Jellicoe St in Te Puke yesterday afternoon.

"We have now been informed the victim has passed away," the spokeswoman said.

A police spokeswoman told the Bay of Plenty Times yesterday that police were on the scene on Jellicoe St just after 3pm following reports of a "workplace accident".

The man was transported to Tauranga Hospital, but subsequently died of his injuries, the police spokeswoman said.

WorkSafe is now investigating and was unable to make any further comment.

Pukepine general manager Jeff Tanner said in a statement the company was closed today following the man's death.

"It is with enormous sadness that on Thursday 28th of March we lost a husband, father, friend, and valued employee during a workplace accident at Pukepine Sawmills.

"Our thoughts are right now first and foremost with the family and words cannot express our deepest sympathy for their loss.

"The company is closed today and will remain closed until Tuesday. A blessing will be held on Monday. The company is extending its full support to family and staff during this time."

Tanner said relevant authorities were notified immediately and the company was also investigating the incident.