Police identify contractor killed in farm accident

Wednesday, 28 August 2013 - 4:16pm

Canterbury

Police have released the name of the man killed in a farm machinery accident in North Canterbury yesterday [Tuesday 27 August].

He was Michael James Earl, aged 36, of Hawarden.

Mr Earl, a self-employed contractor, was grading tracks on a property in Karaka Road, near Waikari.

Senior Constable Rob Ellis of Amberley Police says initial enquiries indicate Mr Earl had been grading uphill before the incident occurred, just after 11.00am.

Mr Earl was found by the owner of the property a short time later, and was pronounced deceased by a local doctor who attended the scene.

Mr Earl's next of kin were notified yesterday.

Occupational safety and health investigators from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment attended the scene yesterday and will be conducting an investigation into the accident.

ENDS

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