Family devastated after boy, 7, dies in a freak accident

The incident was not a logging accident but resulted in the death of a 7-year-old child, police said. Photo / File

The family of a 7-year-old boy who died in a freak accident at a logging site in Otago on Friday have been left 'devastated' by his death, police say.

Emergency services were called to Nugget Stream Rd in the Manuka Valley at about 5.15pm last night to find the boy was not breathing.

A resident in the area said he had heard the child had their head caught in a car window.

An ambulance spokeswoman said attempts were made to revive the boy on arrival, but they were unsuccessful.

Sergeant Ed Baker, of Dunedin police, said the death had been referred to the coroner.

"The family are devastated, absolutely devastated."

He said it was a tragedy for 'the police involved and members of the community'.

Baker was unable to confirm the cause of death.
A combined investigation involving Police and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has been launched.

-Otago Daily Times