Fire-sprinkler worker killed in 8m plunge at city building site

A man servicing fire sprinklers fell two storeys to his death in downtown Auckland yesterday.

The 50-year-old was working for Hawkins Construction at the Britomart building site when he fell 8m just after 11am.

"No one knows what happened, they are trying to find out how he fell," said a construction worker, who did not want to be named.

"I still can't believe it."

Police and ambulance staff were called but attempts to revive the man were unsuccessful. The body was removed about 2pm.

A staff member at the Brew on Quay bar next door said police and ambulance arrived and several workers were sent home.

Hawkins Construction chief executive Chris Hunter said the man's family had been told and the company's immediate priority was to support them and the victim's colleagues.

"This is a tragic incident, and our heartfelt thoughts are very much with the family at this time," he said.

The Department of Labour is working with police to determine how the man fell.

"This death is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the victim's family, friends and workmates," said department spokesman Eric Janse van Rensburg.

Mr Hunter said Hawkins would carry out its own review.