Te Puna Quarry Rd: Man, 50, dies after digger crash

A 50-year-old man has died following a digger crash in the western Bay of Plenty, police say.

Police were notified of the crash at 12.35pm after reports a digger had gone down a mountain on Te Puna Quarry Rd in Minden.

The man was critically injured and was transported to hospital but died shortly after.

Inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing and WorkSafe has been notified, a police spokesperson said.

Te Puna Quarry Park is closed.

Kia ora everyone, Please note that Te Puna Quarry Park is closed effective immediately until further notice.

Posted by Western Bay of Plenty District Council on Tuesday, July 20, 2021

A St John spokesman earlier said one person was taken to Tauranga Hospital in a critical condition by road ambulance. Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and a helicopter had been sent to the scene.

The police spokeswoman said a winch was required to uplift the patient.

Te Puna Quarry Park volunteers had closed the gates to the park to ensure no other visitors could enter.

A fire truck on Te Puna Quarry Rd. Photo / George Novak

The volunteer described it as a "serious accident".

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokeswoman confirmed fire crews were called to the scene to help with "extracting a patient."

An incident control unit had also been at the scene.