A digger operator died when his 30-tonne excavator tipped over in the Waimatā River near Gisborne.
The accident occurred on a property about 20km up Waimatā Valley Rd, past Utting Rd, in the river about 100 meters off the road.
The excavator rolled, trapping the male operator inside the cab, which went underwater about 10 meters off the riverbank.
The machine’s cab was completely submerged. Other contractors raised the alarm but could not free the driver.
Efforts to recover the vehicle and driver continued into the afternoon, with other machinery to be used to right the excavator.
Fire and Emergency NZ sent two crews to the scene, while a St John crew was on standby but returned to Gisborne. A police inquiry is underway on behalf of the coroner.
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