WorkSafe to investigate Waikato quad bike accident after child’s death

WorkSafe has opened an investigation into the quad bike rollover that led to the death of a child at a Waikato farm at the weekend.

WorkSafe said in a statement that it was too early to determine the cause of the accident in Ngatea on Saturday.

“But our investigators are working to establish the circumstances and factors involved.”

According to the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s weekend mission report the incident was reported to emergency services at 3.22pm.

“Crew tasked to Ngatea to assist a child involved in a quad bike rollover accident,” the report said. “Unfortunately, the child died and crew returned to base.”

In a statement, a police spokesperson said one person died after a quad bike rolled on a Kaihere farm in the Hauraki District.

“Emergency services responded to the scene around 4pm and one person was located deceased,” the statement said.

“The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.”

The statement said WorkSafe were advised and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said the incident was a “medical call” and referred questions to Hato Hone St John.

A St John spokesperson said as the incident happened at a private address it was not able to provide any details, but to “contact police for further information”.

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.