Worker crushed at Darwin site

UPDATE: Family friends have paid tribute to a mechanic who was killed in a tragic work site accident in Winnellie yesterday.

Winnellie mechanic Geoff Polomka was tragically killed in a work site accident yesterday. Picture: Supplied

A MECHANIC who was killed in a tragic work site accident in Winnellie yesterday has been identified as 66-year-old Geoff Polomka.

A NT WorkSafe spokeswoman said they were notified by police at 1pm on Thursday that a man had been crushed by a vehicle which had fallen off a hoist at a Winnellie workshop located on Sadgroves Cres.

WorkSafe inspector Anthony Clifford put up a non-disturbance notice at front of the premises — GP Automotive and Mechanical Services — to preserve the site while they continue their investigations.

“At the time of notification the man was still trapped and later died as a result of the incident,” she said.

It is understood Mr Polomka operated the workshop for years with his son Rohan Polomka-Cattell.

GP Automotive and Mechanical Services in Winnellie.

A friend of the family, who wished to remain anonymous, said Mr Polomka’s son had recently left to embark on his first trip overseas in September.

“They worked on the cars together and Rohan had just left to go on a trip of a lifetime in Europe,” she said.

“I can’t imagine getting that phone call about his dad when he’s so far away — it’s terrible.”

Another friend of Mr Polomka, who visited the workshop when he heard about the accident yesterday, described the Darwin mechanic as a “great bloke.”

“This is just unreal,” he said.

The WorkSafe notice on at the mechanics.

“I would always bring my car in so he could do my regos and I’d have a drink up the pub with him from time to time.

“He had just given up bloody drinking too so he could live a bit longer, so for this to happen is a kick in the guts.”

According to the GP Automotive and Mechanical Services website, the workshop offer repairs for cars, 4WD’s, trucks, forklifts, earthmoving equipment, plant and machinery.

NT WorkSafe said inspectors immediately attended the site to commence an investigation but as his death is still under investigation they would not comment further.