Fireman dies on way to Central Otago blaze

A Central Otago firefighter died last night after becoming unwell while on duty.

The Roxburgh and Alexandra fire brigades were called to a fire in Shingle Creek on State Highway 8, in Central Otago, at around 7pm last night.

The 64-year-old driver of a tanker carrying around 10,000 litres of water became unwell along the way, and slowed the vehicle to a stop.

After pulling over, fellow crewmen and emergency staff gave the man CPR and other assistance.

The rescue attempts failed, and the man died at the scene.

The local man had been with the rural fire service for about seven years and loved his job, police said.

"It's a tragedy what has happened but his family are aware and take some comfort knowing that he was doing something for the community in a job he loved when he died," said Sergeant Dave Greaves.

Exactly what caused the man to die is not yet know and the death has been referred to the coroner.

Police suspect the death was caused by a medical event.

The driver's name will be released once family are told of his death.

- APNZ