KEY POINTS:
A sawmill worker was killed in West Auckland yesterday after being dragged under machinery as he tried to clear a blockage.
It is understood the 42-year-old may have been trying to clear a piece of wood that had become trapped along the conveyor belt when the accident happened just after 8am at Pinepac in Whenuapai.
When the blockage was cleared the conveyor started again and the man - described as highly regarded and an experienced supervisor - was pulled under a grate area used for processing wood.
His colleagues, who were nearby, rushed to his aid but were unable to help as he was trapped in the machinery.
Waitakere Fire District chief Bill Ellis said firefighters had to use heavy cutting equipment to reach the worker, which took some time. "We gave it our best efforts to get him out but unfortunately he died."
Pinepac managing director Bruce Anderson said the man had worked for the company for about 25 years and was held in very high regard.
It is believed the victim, who lived close to the mill, had a daughter who also worked at Pinepac.
Yesterday, his family arrived quickly at the scene and were supported by a large number of colleagues and friends.
After Occupational Safety and Health and police staff finished their initial inspections, the body was removed from the belt and put into a hearse.
As it was driven through the Pinepac ground more than 40 staff formed a guard of honour and relatives approached the slowly moving vehicle.
One elderly woman repeatedly tapped the windows with a closed fist, and an elderly man held his head in his hands before patting the roof.
Mr Anderson said the plant was closed for the rest of the day and was expected to remain closed today while investigations continued. Staff had been offered counselling and the family support.
Relatives had asked for the man not to be publicly identified yesterday because some family members still had to be contacted.
