An Australian man was killed after he fell into a woodchipper while clearing branches from someone’s property.
An Australian man was killed after he fell into a woodchipper while clearing branches from someone’s property.
Police told 9 News that the 54-year-old victim was accidentally « pulled into the chipper » Sunday night.
The man, whose identity is not being released, was with two friends at the time of the accident.
« Unfortunately, one of those persons has gone into the machine and has been fatally injured, » Maryborough Forensics Inspector Steve Webb said.
Authorities are investigating to determine exactly how the man was pulled into the machine, and whether he was using the woodchipper properly. As of right now, the death is being investigated as an accident.
According to News.com.au, the three men were clearing a driveway at a home in Gympie, near Brisbane. The guys were not contractors and knew the lady who owns the property, police said.
« It was actually quite horrific. His friends discovered him as he became entangled and attempted to extract him from the shredder and were unable to do so, » an officer told the outlet. « So they’re obviously quite traumatized. »
Acting Inspector Paul Algie told ABC Wide Bay that the scene was extremely gruesome and grief counselors were available for officers and the man’s family and friends.
« It’s a horrendous thing to have to attend as a police officer – any sudden death – but these circumstances were absolutely shocking, » Algie said.
