Police and Occupational Safety & Health officials are at the scene of a work place accident at Richmond, near Nelson.

At about 8.54 a.m. this morning Police were advised that a 55 year man was trapped in machine under about 4 tonnes of sand at Firth Industries in Beach Road at Richmond.

Police and other emergency services are at the scene. Search & Rescue are assisting with extracting the man. OSH and members of the CIB are conducting enquiries.

The name and any other details of the man who is trapped are not available as next of kin have yet to be advised.

There is no further information at this time. A further media release is expected to be release at about 1-00 p.m.