A 30-year-old truck driver has died in an industrial accident in Christchurch today.
The driver was delivering a large generator when a forklift removing it from his truck toppled over, crushing him to death.
Emergency services were called to the premises of TransDiesel Limited at Calgary Place in Hornby just before midday.
One eyewitness, Thomas Meharg, 22, said: "I was just getting my lunch when these police cars and fire trucks raced past.
"I went and had a look and this guy was trapped under a load from a forklift. The forklift had toppled forward and crushed him.
"There were loads of emergency rescue vehicles but they all cleared off pretty quickly. I think he would have been killed instantly.
"It's just horrendous. Forklifts are just such dangerous things. It is very sad, and I feel for his family.''
Another eyewitness, from a nearby yard, did not wish to be named, but said: "He was the truck driver and a forklift was unloading a generator.
"For some reason, he was standing between the forklift and the truck when the generator crushed him. He had nowhere to go and would have died quickly. You would certainly hope so."
Detective Colin Baillie, of Christchurch South Police, confirmed the man was not an employee of TransDiesel Limited but worked for a transport contracting firm engaged by the company.
He said: "Initial enquiries indicate that the man was transporting a generator between two sites.
"On arrival at the second site, while attempting to move the machinery it appears he has become trapped between the truck and the generator, and he has died at the site.
"The incident has been referred to the Department of Labour.''
Police said the name of the deceased, and the company he works for, have not yet been released as next of kin are still to be notified.
TransDiesel officials refused to comment, adding that a staff meeting was to be held.
