Nelson man killed in workplace accident

A 34yr old Nelson man was killed this morning whilst working in a drainage trench on a new subdivision site at Atawhai, Nelson, Senior Sergeant Stu Koefoed stated. 

Shane Darin Cockroft was working on a drainage site in a new subdivision situated off Wastney Terrace at approximately 8.28am.

The drainage site was in an area of wet clay which was supported by large metal shutters holding the walls of the 4 metre deep drainage trench apart. 

Mr Cockroft was working with a digger driver in the area of the trench at the time. A short time later the digger driver noticed Mr Cockroft at the bottom of the trench pinned by a large amount of clay which had fallen into the trench killing Mr Cockroft immediately. 

Senior Sergeant Koefoed said that Police experienced major difficulties recovering Mr Cockroft's body due to the continuing instability of the area which presented a major risk to staff. 'As soon as the area is stabilised we will be able to recover Mr Cockroft's body' he said. 

This workplace death has been referred to Occupational Safety and Health who have commenced an investigation into the death. The matter has also been referred to the Coroner Senior Sergeant Koefoed said