2 People, Including Small Child, Killed in Separate Farm Incidents

A 6-year-old boy was killed recently after he was struck in the head by farm machinery while helping clean a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, barn.

Pennsylvania State Police said authorities were dispatched around 3:32 p.m. Thursday to Paradise Township following reports of a farm accident involving a child. Investigators determined that the victim and a 14-year-old boy were operating a skid steer inside a barn during cleaning operations.

According to the news release sent out by state police, as the 14-year-old was operating the vehicle and going down with the machine’s arms, the younger child attempted to exit the skid steer. He was then struck on the head by the dropped equipment.

Local news reported that emergency responders transported the victim to Lancaster General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene along with members of the Troop J Forensic Services Unit to assist in processing evidence and documenting the incident. Authorities have not released the name of the child, and no charges or further details have been announced at this time.

Safety officials point out that while such involvement promotes responsibility, it also requires more safety precautions when operating or working near heavy machinery.

No announcement regarding additional safety reviews or public alerts has been made by officials, but the accident serves as a bleak reminder of the potential dangers present in agricultural settings.

Just a day earlier, 600 miles away another fatal incident involving farm equipment occurred in Cass County, Michigan. According to Michigan State Police and WNBU, a 73-year-old Cassopolis man died when the farm tractor he was driving was rear-ended by a pickup truck on Calvin Center Road. Investigators believe distracted driving may have contributed to the crash. The driver of the pickup truck and his passengers suffered minor injuries.

Following the Michigan crash, MSP Lt. DuWayne Robinson reminded drivers to stay alert around farm vehicles. 

“Drivers in rural Michigan should expect slow-moving farm vehicles this time of year. Obey the speed limit to allow time to react to large, slow-moving tractors. Keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road to minimize distractions and ensure safety.”