Worker crushed to death by log

A West Coast forestry worker has been crushed to death by a runaway log.

An investigation has been launched into the death of the 37-year-old, which happened on Monday morning.

The Kumara man, whose name hasn't been released, was clearing land in the Hohonu Forest, north of Greymouth, when the accident happened.

A log was being pulled up a steep hill by a cable when it became detached. The log rolled, crushing the man and killing him instantly.

Detective Constable Dan Keno of the Greymouth police said: "His colleagues tried to assist him, they removed the log and checked him but obviously he was beyond assistance."

The man was airlifted to Greymouth Hospital.

Mr Keno said inquiries were being carried out with the assistance of the Department of Labour.

The man had been working in the forestry industry for four months.

- NZPA