Woman Injured After Four-Year-Old Starts Tractor at Charity Event in Wroxham Barns

WROXHAM, NORFOLK — A woman sustained minor injuries after her four-year-old son accidentally started a vintage tractor at a charity event held at Wroxham Barns on Saturday. 

The incident occurred around 12:30 BST during the “Meet the Farmer” day, organized by Wroxham Barns and the Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club.

According to the organisers, the young boy managed to start the tractor despite the keys having been removed from the vehicle. The tractor then hit several cars before it was stopped. 

The woman, who was struck during the incident, was promptly taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital by the East of England Ambulance Service.

In a joint statement, the organisers expressed their concern and commitment to safety. “The family were looked after by the event organisers until help arrived. 

A thorough risk assessment had been made in advance of the event, and additional precautions were taken the following day, including disconnecting all batteries on all tractors,” the statement read. 

“Wroxham Barns and Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club take health and safety very seriously, and how the child was able to start the vehicle remains unknown.”

The event was part of a fundraising effort to support the Norfolk and Norwich SEND Association (Nansa) and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). 

The accident has raised questions about the safety measures in place and how such an incident could have occurred despite the precautions taken.

Witnesses reported a quick response from the organisers and emergency services. 

An ambulance and an ambulance officer vehicle were dispatched to the scene, and the injured woman was transported to the hospital for further assessment and treatment. She is expected to make a full recovery.

Organizers have since reviewed their safety protocols to prevent any future occurrences. 

They emphasized that all vehicles on display at the event had undergone a risk assessment, and further steps have now been taken to ensure additional safety. For the following day’s activities, they disconnected the batteries on all tractors to prevent any similar incidents.

Wroxham Barns and the Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club pledged to support and provide information for any forthcoming investigation into the incident. 

They reiterated their dedication to maintaining a safe environment for all visitors and participants at their events. The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed the response and treatment provided. 

“An ambulance and ambulance officer vehicle were sent to the scene. The woman, who had sustained minor injuries, was transported to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for further assessment and treatment,” a spokesperson said.

The event had been intended as a family-friendly day to bring the community together and raise funds for important causes. 

Despite the unfortunate incident, organizers and attendees remained committed to the event’s charitable mission.

As investigations continue, the organisers hope to understand how the child was able to start the tractor and implement any necessary changes to prevent future incidents. 

They expressed gratitude for the community’s support and understanding in the wake of the accident.

Community Response and Next Steps

The local community has rallied in support of the organizers and the injured woman. Many have praised the quick actions of the event staff and emergency services. 

Discussions are ongoing about how to further enhance safety at future events, with community input being a vital component of these deliberations.

Wroxham Barns and the Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary Club remain focused on ensuring that their events are both enjoyable and safe for all participants. 

They encourage anyone with additional safety suggestions or concerns to come forward as they work to make improvements.

This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members