A person has died in a serious accident at the Te Anau transfer station this afternoon.
Police were called to the incident about 3.30pm.
Southland District Council group manager Fran Mikulicic said the whole of council was shocked and saddened by the tragedy.
“All our thoughts and sympathy are with the family of the deceased,” she said.
Police and council contractor WasteCo staff were on site at the transfer station.
The investigation would continue for some time, the council said, and WorkSafe had been notified of the accident.
WasteCo was contracted by Southland District Council to operate the transfer station.
The transfer station would be closed at least until Monday, the council said, and it would not be making any further comment while the investigation was taking place.
Police confirmed they attended and “the death will be referred to WorkSafe and the coroner”.