Canterbury man crushed under car

A man was killed after being crushed under a car he was working on at his North Canterbury home this afternoon.

The 64-year-old was found dead at his lifestyle block in Swannanoa, about 30km northwest of Christchurch, after emergency services were called about 2.12pm.

He had been working underneath the car when it fell on top of him, Sergeant Rene Pabst, of Rangiora police, said.

"Obviously one of the supports has not been properly there and it's collapsed," he told NZPA.

"He was working on a private vehicle at his home address, so it's not work-related."

The death would be referred to the coroner.

The man's name would be released after next of kin were informed.

A Westpac rescue helicopter with a paramedic on board was sent to the scene. Police, fire and ambulance services also attended.

- NZPA