A field trip at a Wisconsin apple orchard took a tragic turn on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, when a tractor pulling two hay wagons overturned, injuring at least 17 people, including children and adults. The accident occurred at Bushel and a Peck Apple Orchard in Lafayette, Wisconsin, and authorities reported that several individuals sustained life-threatening injuries.
During a press conference, Chippewa Fire District Deputy Chief Corey Jeffers explained that three patients were transported with critical injuries, while five others suffered serious injuries. Nine additional people were taken to the hospital, with one being airlifted from the scene. Some injured individuals were transported via ambulance, while others were taken to the hospital by personal vehicles. Specific details about the injuries were not disclosed.
According to Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes, the hayride was carrying children, their parents, and chaperones when the accident occurred. Hakes stated that the wagon lost control while descending a hill, and when attempts were made to stop it, the tractor abruptly overturned. The sheriff personally assisted at the scene, helping to calm the children and reunite them with their families.
In his statement, Hakes emphasized the importance of focusing on the safety of the victims and ensuring that parents were quickly reunited with their children during such a distressing situation. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, as authorities work to understand what led to the tragic event.
“During incidents like these, it is imperative that we focus on the safety of the victims, as well as reunification efforts between the children and their parents,” Hakes said. “I personally went to the scene and assisted in calming the children, as well as reuniting them with their parents.”
You might think twice about taking part in a wagon ride with your family this year…
