Farmer killed in tractor accident

2012-07-19 07:42

(File, Sapa)

Johannesburg - A Delareyville farmer died on Wednesday when a tractor pushed him into a plough, North West police said.

The 63-year-old was with his son in a storeroom on the farm Driekant at the time, said Brigadier Thulani Ngubane.

"The son was allegedly the driver and reversing the tractor when he noticed that his father was struggling to hook up the plough," he said.

The 30-year-old got off the tractor, leaving it idling in reverse gear, to try and help his father.

Ngubane said the tractor started moving and pushed the farmer against the plough. The farmer's son jumped back onto the tractor to try and rescue his father

"It was already too late, because his father fell to the ground and died instantly," said Ngubane.

The farmer was certified dead on the scene. A case of culpable homicide was opened.

Ngubane said a post mortem would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

"The son was not arrested and the docket will be taken to the director of public prosecution for decision, he said.

Investigations were continuing.

- SAPA