Friday, 19 August 2005 - 9:01am |
National News

Barge fatalities at Picton

1 min read

At about 6.15am this morning two concrete trucks fell off a barge that was being loaded next to a commercial wharf at the end of Lagoon Drive in the Picton Harbour area.

This wharf is north-west of the Picton Ferry Terminal.

Unfortunately a driver was sitting in each of the concrete trucks when they plunged into the water. The bodies of both drivers have been recovered.

A boom has been erected in the water to keep the area free from contamination to allow the investigation to continue uninterrupted.

Police have requested the services of the Specialist Dive Squad from Wellington and they will begin an assessment of the scene under the water when they have been briefed later today.

OSH representatives are involved in the investigation. The Marine Safety Authority will also commence an investigation into this incident.

Police have contacted the families of the deceased drivers and will begin the process of formally identifying them. Their names may be released later today.

Snr COnstable Russell SMITH

NEW ZEALAND POLICE
8 MAIN STREET
PO BOX 342
DX WC60038
BLENHEIM
PHONE: (03) 578-5279
FAX NO: (03) 577-2928