Industrial accident at Homer Tunnel

An accident at a road works site on the Milford Road, in Fiordland, has left one man dead and two other workers injured.

Police said the worker for a contract company was killed at about 12.50pm today while working on slip clearing near Monkey Creek, on the Milford Road.

St John South Island region communications and promotions coordinator Alena Lynch said the 65-year-old suffered a major head injury in an accident involving a compressed air hose.

Exact details were not yet known.

An air ambulance was sent to the scence from Te Anau, but despite the best efforts of all those on site, the man died.

Two other workers received minor injuries in the incident and were treated at the scene.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) would investigate the incident along with a safety representative of the contract company. Police would also be investigating on behalf of the coroner.

Details of the man who died have not yet been released as police are still in the process of contacting next of kin. 

- © Fairfax NZ News