Man killed clearing Milford Rd slip

Graham Robert Brown, 67, of Dunedin, was killed while working on slip-clearing near Monkey Creek on the Milford Rd yesterday.

Sergeant Tod Hollebon, of Te Anau, said emergency services were called to the site about 12.50pm.

An air ambulance was dispatched from Te Anau immediately but despite the efforts of those on site, Brown was unable to be revived, Hollebon said.

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

Occupational Safety and Health attended the scene, along with a safety representative of the contract company. Police would also investigate on behalf of the coroner, he said. 

Te Anau St John team manager John Lambeth said Brown was still alive when his ambulance crew arrived.

"He had a significant head injury despite wearing a safety helmet," Lambeth said.

St John South Island region communications and promotions co-ordinator Alena Lynch said Brown sustained a "massive brain injury" in the accident, which involved a compressed air hose.

The Milford Rd was closed at 5pm yesterday because of snow forecast for Fiordland.

NZ Transport Agency area manager Peter Robinson said it was also likely the road, closed by a massive landslide on October 12 between Falls Creek and Monkey Creek, would remain closed today. Fairfax NZ

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