A Fletcher Construction worker has been seriously injured at the demolition site of the quake-damaged Hotel Grand Chancellor in Christchurch.
Emergency services were called to the demolition site about 8.30am on Friday.
The worker was taken to Christchurch Hospital where he was in a critical condition, a hospital spokeswoman told NZ Newswire.
The man's family are by his side at the hospital.
Fletcher construction chief executive Graham Darlow said the worker was injured on the building's top floor, but did not give details of his injuries or how the accident occurred.
"Our thoughts are with the worker and his family," Mr Darlow says.
"We are really distressed that one of our people has been harmed, and feel deeply for the family."
All work at the site has been suspended, and the Department of Labour has been notified about the accident.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority operations general manager Warwick Isaacs said the incident was "distressing and concerning".
"Fletcher Construction acted immediately to get help for the injured worker, ensure no further people were at risk and to check on the wellbeing of those who witnessed the accident."
The building - one of the tallest in Christchurch - suffered major damage in last year's February 22 earthquake, and was declared unstable.
Its demolition is expected to be completed by mid-April.
NZN