Waikato man killed by digger named

Photo / Supplied

A 70-year-old south Waikato farmer, killed yesterday when the digger he was operating rolled down a bank, has been named.

He was Peter Wallace Johnstone of Kopaki.

Police and emergency services were called to the accident near State Highway 30 at Kopaki, south of Te Kuiti, about 2.45pm.

A Department of Labour spokesman said the digger had come to rest a few metres from train tracks.

Te Kuiti Sub-Area Manager, Senior Sergeant Rob Van Kalke said despite the best efforts of the emergency services at the scene Mr Johnstone died at the scene."

He said though the crash happened close to the railway lines, trains were still able to pass though at a reduced speed.

- Herald Online