RECYCLE: A 20-year-old Whakatane man suffered two broken legs when he fell into a dumpster at the Whakatane Recycling Park in Te Tahi Street this morning. Photo Louis Klaassen D4169-03
A 20-YEAR-OLD Whakatane man suffered two broken legs when he was knocked into a waste bin at the Whakatane Recycling Park in Te Tahi Street this morning.
Whakatane District Council public affairs manager Ross Boreham said the man was guiding the driver of a reversing vehicle and trailer to offload waste when he was knocked in.
Two St John ambulances and the Whakatane Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to the scene to assist with the man's awkward extrication.
The fire service assisted with a stokes basket, a rigid rescue stretcher used to lift the victim from the large receptacle.
St John Eastern Bay territory manager Richard Waterson said the man was transported to Whakatane Hospital with moderate to serious injuries.
Mr Boreham said the incident was a “freak accident” and a Waste Management regional manager would investigate it.