Electrocuted man's wife also hurt in incident

The wife of a farm worker killed when a power line fell on him from a power pole yesterday, was also injured in the incident. Photo / Thinkstock

A woman seriously injured when a power line fell from a pole on a Hurunui farm, killing her husband, is in a stable condition.

The incident in North Canterbury occurred yesterday morning, fatally electrocuting the male farm worker, 39, and injuring his wife.

The couple's seven-year-old son ran to phone for help, and reportedly phoned a relative.

Culverden and Kaikoura emergency services were called to the rural address on Inland Kaikoura Rd at about 10.20am.

The woman was airlifted to Christchurch hospital after the accident. She remains in a stable condition today, said a hospital spokeswoman.

Neighbours reported hearing ambulance and fire services rushing to the property where the couple lived.

"The husband got killed and the wife is fighting for her life in hospital. They are local people," said one man, who did not wish to be named.

The property is owned by Brian Steere, who does not live at the address.

A Christchurch-based family member of Mr Steere's confirmed the accident had taken place and that a couple had been living at the property and working on the farm.