A routine brush-clearing job in western Burke County turned into a life‑or‑death emergency yesterday when a 2‑year‑old was struck by construction equipment and had to be airlifted to a Winston‑Salem trauma center. Authorities say the child was first rushed to a Morganton hospital, then flown out for higher‑level care while off‑duty EMS personnel and other first responders worked to keep the child alive at the scene. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has opened an investigation into what happened.
What officials say about the crash
Burke Emergency Services told Channel 9’s Dave Faherty that the child fell and was then hit by a 10,000‑pound track loader that had been clearing brush alongside Dyartsville Road. First responders took the child to UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton, where the child was stabilized before being transferred by air to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston‑Salem, according to WSOC.
Why heavy equipment is so dangerous
So‑called "struck‑by" incidents with heavy machinery rank among the deadliest hazards on construction sites, and safety agencies consistently warn that active work zones need clear separation from anyone not involved in the job. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health urges employers to use stand‑downs and toolbox talks to reinforce those rules, especially anywhere children could be nearby, according to NIOSH.
Investigation and updates
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and has not released the child’s name or any update on the child’s condition, WSOC reports. Officials say residents looking for verified updates should watch for county public notices and official posts as more details are gathered. Those bulletins are typically posted on the Burke County website.
