A 59-year-old farm worker died when his tractor overturned and plunged down a steep slope on a Teviot farm, near Millers Flat in central Otago yesterday afternoon.
The man was one of a group raking and baling hay on the property. He was thrown out when the tractor rolled down a slope into a gully, and he died at the scene, Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw of Alexandra police said.
People working nearby immediately came to the man's assistance but were unable to revive him. Police, ambulance and fire brigade crews, along with the Otago Regional Rescue helicopter were called to the remote site, Det Sgt Shaw said.
The man's name would be released today after next of kin had been notified.
The coroner has been advised and staff from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will inspect the accident site today.
