A handyman has died after becoming trapped under a fallen water tank in a freak workplace accident in northwest Sydney.
The man, aged in his 60s, was removing the old steel tank from a property on Auld St in Eastwood when the steel frame toppled over, trapping him underneath just before 9am on Wednesday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Handyman dead after being crushed by steel tank
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“It’s a really tragic situation,” Fire Rescue New South Wales Superintendent Adam Dewberry said.
“The legs that attach the tank to the ground or the anchor points have been cut … somehow it has become dislodged and he has become trapped underneath it, suffering significant, or fatal injuries.”
Despite the frantic efforts of bystanders and paramedics, he was declared dead a short time later.
The water tank in question. Credit: 7NEWS He has yet to be formally identified.
The property is a rental and the tenants – who only moved in just two days ago – were at work at the time and told 7NEWS they are deeply saddened by the man’s death.
Police said a report will be prepared for the coroner and the incident has been referred to SafeWork NSW.
SafeWork has been contacted for comment.