Police in the Region 7 district are reporting the death of Ricky Persaud who died as a result of a freak accident in the Big Hope Backdam, Waini River on Wednesday last.
Police have reported the 40 year old cook along with his excavator operator colleague were headed to their mining work site when they observed a fallen tree on the road way. As such the cook came off the excavator and the driver began operating the excavator boom to remove the fallen tree. Whilst the driver swung the excavator to the right, the boom came in contact with the deceased and struck him to his head. As a result of the impact, Persuad became motionless and deep lacerations to the right side of his head were visible.
Due to the distance of accident, on Thursday, the body was finally taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. The body is presently laying at the Memorial Funeral Parlour, awaiting a post mortem examination. The driver of the excavator is in police custody assisting with further investigation.
