Hayride trailer flips with 19 people aboard, mostly children

WELLSBURG, N.Y. (WETM) — Three people are in critical condition after a tractor pulling a trailer overturned during a hayride in Wellsburg, New York. The trailer was carrying 19 people, most of whom were children.

The crash was reported around 4:38 p.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Berwick Turnpike and Comfort Hill Road. Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom said the tractor was traveling at a high speed down Comfort Hill Road toward Main Street.

As the tractor turned at the intersection, the trailer separated. The tractor rolled, pinning the driver underneath and dragging him several yards before stopping against a tree. The trailer continued a short distance, Schrom said.

Schrom said 19 people were on the trailer, most of them children. He said 14 people were treated at the scene, five were transported by ambulance to Robert Packer Hospital, and one was airlifted.

The group is from a German Baptist community and began the ride on Robinson Road, Schrom said. The community holds a gathering every Sunday.

18 News will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.