Acting Inspector Paul Algie told The Gympie Times the scene was one of the most horrific he'd ever come across.
'I went out there this morning to speak to officers from Brisbane and I'd have to say it's one of the worst incidents I've ever seen,' he told the publication. 'There was nothing that could be done to save this gentleman.'
The man, who was working with two friends on the property as a favour to the woman who lived there, became entangled in branches, tragically getting dragged into the woodchipper.
The two friends then realised he had become entangled and tried desperately to save him.
'It was actually quite horrific. His friends discovered him as he became entangled and attempted to extract him from the shredder and were unable to do so. So, they're obviously quite traumatised now,' Inspector Algie told.
Maryborough Forensics Inspector Steve Webb told Channel Nine: 'They are all friends and they were doing a favour for the lady that owns the property sadly.'
According to police, the man died instantly and his death is being treated as an accident. They don’t believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Insp Algie could not yet say if the man had been using the woodchipper unsafely or incorrectly.
Officers from the Sunshine Coast’s Workplace Health and Safety team are currently investigating and police are preparing a report for the coroner.
This article originally appeared on New Idea.
