A weekend morning in Leola, Lancaster County, turned tragic when a 2-year-old girl fell from a tractor and was run over, according to local authorities. Emergency crews tried to save her at the scene, performing life-saving measures, but the child could not be revived. East Lampeter Township police say they are investigating the incident.
Where and When It Happened
Local dispatchers say crews were called to the 300 block of Newport Road near Monterey Road just after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, and the roadway was closed for several hours, according to WGAL. The station reported that the Lancaster County coroner responded to the scene.
What Authorities Say
In a news release, East Lampeter Township police said a man was operating a tractor in the northbound lane when the toddler fell from the vehicle and was run over by the rear tire, according to CBS Pittsburgh. Crews on scene performed first aid, and the Lancaster County Coroner's Office has taken custody of the child's body, the release said.
Farm Safety and Statewide Trends
Tractors and off-road equipment remain leading causes of farm deaths in Pennsylvania. Penn State's latest annual summary recorded 19 farm-related fatalities in 2024, below the 25-year average of 28, and about one-quarter of the victims were children under 10, according to Penn State University's College of Agricultural Sciences. The report cites tractor overturns and contact with equipment as common causes and recommends close supervision of children and the use of rollover protection structures where feasible.
Investigation Ongoing
East Lampeter police say they are continuing to investigate and have released no additional details as of yesterday, per CBS Pittsburgh. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the child, and the coroner's office will determine the cause and manner of death as the inquiry proceeds.
