A 65-year-old construction worker was killed while working near the Homer Tunnel today.
St John southern region communications co-ordinator Alena Lynch said the man was struck on the head with a compressed air hose about midday.
Ambulance staff received a call at 12.20pm and sent a Southern Lakes rescue helicopter to the scene.
The man received a "very serious head injury", she said.
When the helicopter arrived the man was receiving CPR.
He was treated by ambulance staff, but his head injuries were too serious and he died at the scene about 2pm.
Two other workers received minor injuries in the incident and were treated at the scene.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) are enroute to investigate the incident, along with a safety representative of the contract company.
Police will also be investigating on behalf of the coroner.
NZ Transport Agency Chief Executive Geoff Dangerfield said the agency extended its deepest sympathies and support to the man's family and colleagues.
