Worker killed at $30m mansion site

The Coatesville house where a worker was killed. Picture / Paul Escourt

A man involved in the construction of one of New Zealand's largest homes was killed yesterday when a crane boom came loose and struck him.

The accident - the second death on Auckland work sites this week - happened when the 35-year-old was helping two co-workers dismantle the crane at the site in Mahoenui Valley Rd, Coatesville.

The $30 million house is being developed by interests associated with the founder of the flourishing Chrisco Christmas Hamper Club. Richard Bradley is one investor in the developer company Lurcher Ltd.

The building site is shielded by high stone walls, and has an arbour of mature palm trees, tennis courts, a maze garden, ponds and a large pool.

Yesterday, three workers jumped on to an A-framed boom on the crane to loosen it. The boom fell, striking and killing one man, who has not been named. His two co-workers jumped clear. The Labour Department is investigating.

On Tuesday, a road worker died after being struck by an earthmoving truck on an Auckland City Council roadworks site in Remuera. At least 10 people have died in work-related incidents this year.