Forestry worker impaled through arm with branch

The Department of Labour has launched an investigation into how a forestry worker was impaled through the arm by a tree branch.

The accident happened yesterday morning south of Gisborne in the Wharerata Forest.

The 30-year-old had just felled a tree when the branch sprang back and sliced through his upper arm from one side to the other.

A helicopter with St John paramedics on board took the man to hospital where the branch was surgically removed from his arm. The man is now recovering in hospital.

- Newstalk ZB