Poisoning victim dies in hospital

Police have confirmed that a Mt Maunganui man believed to have been poisoned with the herbicide Paraquat died overnight in Waikato Hospital.

The 53-year-old's name has not yet been released. He was rushed to Tauranga Hospital yesterday afternoon and was later airlifted to Hamilton. Firefighters decontaminated the ambulance bay at the Emergency Department as a precaution, after the man's arrival.

Paraquat is a dangerous herbicide that irritates the skin and can be absorbed through the eyes or cuts in the skin.

- NEWSTALK ZB