CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI – Over two dozen individuals, both adults and children, were injured after a wagon at an apple orchard in Wisconsin capsized, with authorities stating that three people are in critical condition.
The grievous incident was reported Wednesday morning at the “Bushel and a Peck Apple Orchard” located in Chippewa Falls. According to Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes, at the time of the accident, a group of elementary school-age children, their parents, and other chaperones were present for a field trip and were enjoying a wagon ride.
A tractor was guiding two wagons at low speed within the orchard boundaries, away from public roads, the Sheriff told reporters. One of the wagons began experiencing difficulties maintaining control, turned sideways while navigating down a hill, and subsequently overturned. This mishap led to injuries among adults and children alike.
Describing the day as traumatic, Hakes revealed that emergency personnel were mobilized in response to a “tractor accident involving two hay wagons with kids and adults.” Chippewa Fire District Deputy Chief Cory Jeffers mentioned that due to the scale of the incident, the fire department initiated their mass casualty protocol to facilitate assistance from external agencies.
Twenty-five individuals were transferred from the accident site to various establishments for medical care. Of these, one critically injured individual was airlifted by the Mayo Clinic’s helicopter, while 22 were relocated via ambulance. Some people also chose to reach healthcare units in private vehicles. Overall, out of the injured individuals, five have experienced serious harm and three are in a life-threatening condition.
Principal Peter Micheel of St. Mark Lutheran School in Eau Claire confirmed that the children involved in the accident were attendees of the school. He emphasized that the immediate priority was ensuring all children were reunited with their caregivers.