Hayride tractor overturns in upstate New York, 14 injured and 3 in critical condition
A tractor pulling a hayride flipped during a youth outing in Wellsburg, New York, injuring at least 14 people, three of whom remain in critical condition.
During a weekly youth gathering organized by a German Baptist group, a John Deere tractor hauling a hayride overturned on Comfort Hill Road near the Berwick Turnpike in Wellsburg, New York, at about 4:30 p.m. The driver tried to navigate a turn too quickly, causing the tractor to swerve, tip over, and separate from the wagon, which threw the 19 occupants onto the ground. Authorities reported at least 14 injuries, with three individuals placed in critical condition.
One person was airlifted to a hospital, five were taken by ambulance to Robert Packer Hospital, and eight arrived by private transport. Most of the riders were children, according to witnesses. Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the factors that led to the crash.
Why it matters
The incident underscores safety concerns for community events involving large vehicles and many children.
In this story
