By: Richard L. Smith
A 13-year-old boy has died following a tragic farm tractor accident Monday evening in Gloucester County, according to authorities.
Police said the incident occurred at approximately 5:35 p.m. on July 6 in the 1100 block of Swedesboro Road, where officers from the Franklin Township Police Department and Elk Township Police Department responded to reports of a juvenile trapped beneath an overturned farm tractor.
When officers arrived, they found the 13-year-old unconscious and unresponsive under the tractor. Officers from both departments immediately worked together to lift the heavy equipment off the victim before beginning life-saving measures.
The juvenile was rushed to Cooper University Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
An adult male also suffered minor injuries in the incident and was treated at a local hospital.
According to the preliminary investigation, the teen was assisting a family member with digging a hole using the tractor.
Authorities said the juvenile was riding on the equipment with the adult when the tractor overturned, trapping him beneath it.
The incident remains under investigation by the Franklin Township Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities said any potential criminal charges will be determined once the investigation is complete.