Man crushed to death in Bay of Plenty

A 38-year-old Bay of Plenty man has died after being crushed in a wood-pulp rolling machine at the Carter Holt Harvey Tasman Mill in Kawerau.

The man, from Edgcumbe, was sweeping around the machinery when the accident happened yesterday.

Though no one saw it happen, two of his colleagues nearby heard his calls for help and immediately came to his aid, the Rotorua Daily Post reported.

The man was still able to speak after going through the roller, but later died.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances, and left the scene when Occupational Safety and Health staff arrived, Sergeant Jacko Ta'ala of Kawerau police said.

Police have not yet released the man's name, as they are still informing next of kin.

- NZPA