A 15-year-old fruit picker is in intensive care at Tauranga Hospital with broken bones and suspected internal injuries after he was run over by a tractor last night.
Emergency services were called to a kiwifruit orchard on Kelly Rd in Paengaroa about 5.30pm.
Maketu fire chief Shane Beach said the victim was trapped under the rear wheels and back of the hydraulic system.
Other members of the picking gang helped lift him out.
Te Puke police Senior Sergeant Deidre Lack said the teen was hit after the tractor driver lost control. The incident has been referred to the Department of Labour for further investigation.
