Emergency surgery for badly-injured lumber worker

A worker underwent several hours of emergency surgery today after becoming trapped in rollers used in the chipping process at a Napier lumber works.

Emergency services raced to the Pen Pac Plant at Whirinaki early today with St John Ambulance paramedics stabilising the seriously injured man while firefighters and plant staff used hydraulic equipment to free him.

It took about two hours to get him out, with the injuries to his legs described as serious.

The Lowe Corporation rescue helicopte flew the injured man to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

Pan Pac's lumber division general manager Geoff Alexander said the accident happened about 20 minutes before the shift was due to end.

The man had worked in that division for more than 20 years and was very experienced.

No one knew how the accident happened. Department of Labour inspectors had examined the area and were satisfied it was safe to use. The chipping plant was back in action later this morning.

The man was reported to be in a stable condition after undergoing surgery.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY