Feilding man killed while felling tree

The scene of the fatal accident. Photo / Alecia Rousseau / Manawatu Guardian

A man has been killed while felling a tree in Feilding.

Police said the man became tangled in equipment while working in the tree in a harness.

Sergeant Kaine Austen said at 11.45am emergency services advised of an incident at the property in Seddon St.

He said the man in his 60s had been felling trees at the front of the property, and became tangled in equipment.

Mr Austen said the man was left suspended from his harness, which made it difficult for emergency services to reach him, but every effort was made to help him.

He was being removed from the tree about 2pm this afternoon.

Mr Austen said initial reports that the man had been electrocuted were not true.

He was not a contractor, and does not live at the property, but was helping an associate or friend.

The man had family members with him at the time, but he was the only one in the tree.

Mr Austen said it was an obviously tragic situation for his family to see.

The street was cordoned off and police, fire and ambulance were in attendance.

Worksafe NZ had also been advised and is at the scene.