A man died yesterday while moving firewood on a farm in the Catlins, after a loader rolled on top of him, police say.
An Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter with St John paramedics on board was sent to Maitland Rd, southwest of Owaka, not far from Purakaunui Falls.
The man was picked up but died on the way to Dunedin Hospital.
St John communications adviser Ian Henderson said they were alerted to the incident at a private property at 2.38pm.
Mr Henderson said the man, in his 40s, had critical injuries when paramedics arrived.
Sergeant Martin Bull, of Balclutha, said the victim and another man were moving firewood on a farm.
The investigation is in its early stages and it was not clear last night exactly what happened, although it appeared a loader had rolled over the man.
The man was not the owner of the farm, and did not work there, Sgt Bull said.
The victim's name would be released once family had been advised.
