Dozens Hurt as Wagon Overturns at Apple Orchard, Authorities Say

More than two dozen people were injured, with three individuals in critical condition, following an accident involving a wagon at a Wisconsin apple orchard. The incident took place at Bushel and a Peck Apple Orchard in Chippewa Falls on Wednesday morning.

Elementary students, along with their parents and chaperones, were participating in a field trip and were riding on a wagon when the accident occurred, as confirmed by Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes.

A tractor was slowly pulling two wagons on a public road when the incident occurred. According to Sheriff Hakes, one of the wagons began to lose control as it went down a hill and subsequently overturned, leading to injuries for both children and adults.

“It’s a traumatic day for many,” Hakes mentioned during a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, responding to reports of a “tractor accident involving two hay wagons with kids and adults,” according to Chippewa Fire District Deputy Chief Cory Jeffers. The fire department initiated its mass casualty protocol, allowing additional support from outside agencies, including the dispatch of a helicopter from the Mayo Clinic.

Twenty-five individuals were transported from the site to receive medical attention. One individual was taken by helicopter, while nine others used ambulances. Some victims were also taken in personal vehicles, Sheriff Hakes stated.

Among the injured, three have life-threatening injuries, and five others are reported to have serious injuries. Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire admitted seven patients from the incident for care ranging from minor to serious injuries, as confirmed by their spokesperson.

Sheriff Hakes expressed that he believes all patients are currently in stable condition. However, authorities have not disclosed specific details regarding the victims or the number of children involved.

Hakes described the situation as “heart-wrenching.” With a personal connection to the incident, he noted that as a parent, incidents like this create deep fear for the safety of children. He personally assisted at the scene, working to calm the young passengers and help reunite them with their families.

“The children were incredibly brave and resilient,” he remarked. The area where the incident occurred has since been cleared, and all children who remained at the orchard are now back with their families.

The students involved in the incident attend St. Mark Lutheran School in Eau Claire. The school’s principal, Peter Micheel, released a statement focusing on the importance of reuniting the children with their caregivers. “In challenging times, we commit everything to the Lord’s care and trust in his guiding hand,” he said.

Efforts to reach representatives from the orchard for further comments have not yet been successful. Chippewa Falls is situated approximately 12 miles northeast of Eau Claire.

Source: ABC News