Name releasae Benneydale digger fatality

The name of a farmer killed in a workplace accident on a King Country farm has been released.

Te Kuiti Sub-Area Manager, Senior Sergeant Rob Van Kalken, said Kopaki farmer, 70-year-old Peter Wallace JOHNSTONE, died after the digger he had been working with to repair farm tracks slipped and rolled down a bank yesterday afternoon.

"The digger has come to a halt within several metres of the North Island Main Trunk Railway Line, pinning Mr JOHNSTONE underneath.

"Despite the best efforts of the emergency services at the scene Mr JOHNSTONE died at the scene."

Mr Van Kalken said though the crash happened close to the railway lines trains were still able to pass though at a reduced speed.

"The Department of Labour were advised and are carrying out and investigation and it will be for the Coroner to establish the cause of Mr JOHNSTONE'S death."