Police name forestry worker crushed to death

A forestry worker who was killed while working alone in the Waikato's Rangitoto Ranges, east of Te Kuiti, last night has been named.

Ronald Jim Anderson, a 44-year-old from Tokoroa, was killed instantly when the tree he was cutting clipped another, causing a large branch to fall and land directly on top of him, Te Kuiti Senior Sergeant Rob Van Kalken told NZPA.

A search party found Mr Anderson when he failed to make a regular check-in at 4pm.

"He was meant to be quite experienced too, so it's just one of these flukey things," Mr Van Kalken said.

Mr Anderson's death has been referred to the coroner.

The Department of Labour is investigating the accident.

His death was one of two workplace deaths in the Waikato within 24 hours.

Mark Williams, 43, was killed when a trench he was digging for a sewer line replacement in Te Kuiti, collapsed, burying him chest-deep in dirt about 5pm on Wednesday.

His workmates called emergency services and dug him free before giving CPR but he could not be revived.

- NZPA