Man dies after being hit by falling branch in Wellington

A man has died after being struck by a falling branch on Mount Victoria in Wellington today, October 21.

Police said in a statement that emergency services were called to Lookout Road around 9.20am, where the man was found with critical injuries. He was taken to hospital but died a short time later. The death will be referred to the Coroner.

The incident comes amid strong winds battering parts of the lower North Island, with the New Zealand Transport Agency issuing an Orange Level Strong Wind Warning for Wellington, Wairarapa and Tararua until 6pm.

“Severe gale northwesterlies, with gusts of up to 130 km/h in exposed areas, are forecast.

A Heavy Rain Warning will also apply for the Tararua Ranges,” NZTA said.

Drivers, particularly those of high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and towing vehicles, are being urged to take extra care and expect hazards such as fallen trees, wind-blown debris and downed powerlines.

Extra caution is advised on exposed routes including State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and State Highway 1 Transmission Gully–Wainui Saddle, where wind strength could reach levels that may require road closures for safety reasons.

MetService meteorologist Katie Hillyer told the Franklin Times that weather in Auckland was “relatively benign” compared to conditions further south.

“Cloudy periods and sunny spells, but there are some afternoon strong winds,” she said.

“Tomorrow there will be some showers, but nothing looks heavy at the moment — just enough to ruin your washing.”