(TOWNSHIP OF PERTH SOUTH, ON) – On Friday September 18, 2015, around 5 p.m., Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were dispatched to a farm along Line 12 north of St.Marys where a child was injured as a result of a farm mishap.
Investigation revealed that a tractor with an attached corn harvester towing a wagon was being used to harvest corn for silage. The 66 year old male operator of the tractor noticed that the harvester head had stopped operating. The operator looking out of the back window of the tractor observed a young male caught in the front head of the harvester. The tractor was shut down and the child was released from the equipment.
The eight year old male child was transported by land ambulance to a London Hospital where he was treated for his life altering injuries.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour was called in to investigate this tragic incident.
At all times but especially now, as the harvest is starting in Perth County, those living on or attending farms are reminded to be vigilant around agricultural equipment. Much of the equipment is large, noisy and has many moving parts that have the potential to cause serious injury or bodily harm.
Those operating agricultural equipment are urged to always be aware of their surroundings and to follow safe practices, including those of keeping children away from equipment.